Groveport Madison Local policy committee weighs preschool tuition, enrollment and health rules

Groveport Madison Local Schools' policy review committee spent the meeting reviewing proposed revisions to preschool policies, including a recommendation that the board consider setting preschool tuition at $100 and steps to improve enrollment, outreach and compliance with state health rules.

The committee framed its work as a policy-review effort to prioritize legally required updates and to establish a regular review cycle so policy changes come with clear deadlines and trackable versions. Members discussed broadening IGCG's language to refer to "students with and without disabilities," clarifying eligibility for unit-member custody exceptions in the collective bargaining agreement, and aligning local policy language with state regulations.

On tuition, participants summarized recent history: peer-model preschool tuition had been $50, an attempted increase to higher amounts was discussed previously, and committee members debated a phased approach to raise rates toward regional parity. One committee member suggested presenting a $100 tuition figure to the Board of Education for approval at a future meeting, while acknowledging that modest tuition increases will not fully cover program costs.

Committee members noted enrollment and capacity data when weighing tuition options. The group calculated a theoretical capacity of 64 seats (eight classrooms across two sessions) but said current enrollment appears to be substantially below that level, likely less than half capacity. Members emphasized that improving registration processes and outreach could increase take-up before raising tuition.

The committee reviewed state rules and administrative code as they relate to preschool operations. Members cited Ohio administrative code sections (including the preschool immunization standard 3301.53 and references to tuberculosis screening/testing of prospective employees at 3301.531 and related public-health authorities) and discussed whether staff vaccination requirements are limited by state law. The committee proposed referencing state law in local policy and stating that prospective employees must meet criteria set forth in state law.

Transportation also drew sustained discussion. Members said the district may be able to charge parents the actual cost of transportation but that start-up and per-child costs could be high; any transportation fees or service changes would require coordination with transportation and other district departments. The walking-distance standard (currently set at a half-mile) and related transportation policy were identified as separate policy items to address.

Committee members raised administrative and operational questions: whether tuition revenue deposited to the general fund could be partially earmarked to support preschool equipment and services, how screening and assessment procedures should be framed, and how to make enrollment more accessible for families with limited English proficiency (suggestions included in-person registration events, interpreter services and online improvements).

Next steps: the committee agreed to refine policy language, gather clarifying details on transportation costs and fund accounting, and convey a tuition recommendation (the $100 figure was discussed) for consideration at an upcoming board meeting. The committee also placed transportation policy and kindergarten start-date policy on future agendas.

The meeting concluded with members proposing a standing monthly meeting (fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m.) and confirming willingness to participate virtually over the summer if needed.