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Wes-Del board discusses shift to full-time preschool tuition, tables decision for more information
Summary
Administration proposed moving preschool tuition from attendance-based to full-time enrollment-based billing with a weekly, nonrefundable $200 deposit to cover the first week; the board raised access, voucher, capacity and wait-list concerns and tabled the item pending staff follow-up.
The board discussed a proposed change to preschool tuition and enrollment rules that would move preschool billing from attendance-based to an enrollment-based full-tuition model. The presenter said rising operational costs and variable attendance have strained finances and staffing, and proposed a nonrefundable weekly payment model including a $200 deposit covering the first week's tuition and snack fee.
Administrators provided current counts: 22 four-to-five-year-olds in the PK classroom (capacity 24) and 16 three-year-olds in the ELA room; they described tiered rates and subsidy tiers (full rate $150, tiered reductions to 80%, 60% and lower levels). Board members asked whether voucher or state assistance would continue to apply, how waiting lists would be handled if a family did not pay, and whether this change would disproportionately affect low-income families. Members requested additional details from Miss Christie on enrollment rules, voucher interaction, and placement procedures.
The board tabled the item; staff will return with clarifications about eligibility, voucher administration, waiting-list management and the proposed billing mechanics prior to formal adoption.
