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Board discusses nonresident preschool tuition, no fee decision; staff carve‑outs and transportation remain unresolved
Summary
Administrators proposed setting a nonresident preschool tuition to help meet enrollment metrics; the board debated a $5,000 preliminary figure, alternatives capped at $3,600, and special tiers for staff families. No final policy was adopted; administration will return with a formal proposal and registration rules.
The board discussed whether to set a tuition rate for nonresident preschool attendance to help fill seats and sustain early‑start funding metrics. Administration described Lisbon residents’ current sliding scale (no resident pays more than $3,600) and said the district had received inquiries from multiple out‑of‑town families. The administration outlined a preliminary proposal of $5,000 per year for nonresidents as a starting point for discussion, noting private preschool prices and that nonresident families would not be eligible for district transportation.
Board members raised equity and operational questions. One board member suggested capping nonresident tuition at the same maximum paid by Lisbon residents ($3,600) rather than a higher fee. Another proposed a three‑tier approach that would allow a discounted or intermediate rate for staff (employees who live out of town) while charging a higher rate for general nonresidents. Members also stressed the need for a clear registration window that guarantees Lisbon residents priority access and an explicit policy for waiting lists.
Board members and administrators noted special‑education implications: a child’s “nexus” or home district still bears responsibility for special‑education services, but if a nonresident child enrolls in Lisbon the receiving district would coordinate any needed related services and the parent would work with both districts as required. The board agreed the discussion required more administrative work: a drafted policy with registration timelines, tiers (resident, staff, nonresident), transportation rules, and staffing and capacity calculations. The item was tabled pending administrative follow‑up; the administration was asked to return with a proposed policy and clear fee recommendations.
During public comment, Stacy Gordon, LEA president, thanked staff and asked the board to consider a staff carve‑out so teachers with children who live in other towns could have access to the preschool program.
Next steps: Administration will draft a policy with defined tiers, registration windows and capacity rules for the board to review at a future meeting.
