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Northborough approves 3% preschool tuition increase and tightens financial-assistance rules
Summary
The Town of Northborough approved a 3% preschool tuition increase and updated financial-assistance guidelines (90% reduction for households ≤130% of FPL; 60% for ≤185% of FPL; 10% program cap). The measures passed unanimously and are intended to sustain the program amid rising labor and insurance costs.
The Town of Northborough School Committee voted unanimously March 30 to approve a 3% increase in preschool tuition for 2026–27 and to adopt revised financial-assistance guidelines intended to preserve program sustainability while targeting aid.
Becky (presentation staff) told the committee the board last raised preschool tuition in fiscal 2022 and recommended a 3% increase driven principally by rising labor costs from collective-bargaining settlements and health-insurance expenses. She said the increase would translate to about $115 more annually for the four-day half-day program (roughly $11.50 per month), about $230 annually for a four-day full-day program ($23 per month), and about $285 annually for a five-day full-day program ($28.50 per month).
Alongside the tuition increase, the committee approved updated financial-assistance guidelines. Under the new policy, households at or below 130% of the federal poverty level will receive a 90% tuition reduction; households at or below 185% of FPL will receive a 60% reduction. Assistance will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis and will be capped at 10% of the annual program to provide more consistent budgeting; the policy retains case-by-case flexibility for exceptional circumstances.
Committee members asked how the policy compares with other public preschools and whether increasing co-payments might reduce attendance. Becky said the district primarily benchmarks against other public preschool programs and that current-year data show the assistance cap would have accommodated families in need; projections indicate the change would free funds to help a broader set of households.
The motion to adopt the tuition increase and the assistance guidelines were moved, seconded and approved by unanimous roll call. The administration projected the change would offset roughly $300,000 annually in program costs and will present additional financial detail at the May meeting as part of the wider preschool budget discussion.
