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North Adams board approves 2026–27 PreK rates as state vouchers shrink
Summary
The North Adams Community Schools board approved a sliding-scale set of preschool rates for 2026–27, saying state voucher availability has fallen and the district will try to work with families. The full‑day recommendation sets rates at $85/$60/$40 (full/reduced/free); the vote passed 4–0.
The North Adams Community Schools board approved new preschool rates for the 2026–27 school year after administrators warned that state vouchers will be scarce next year.
In a motion by WY, seconded by Darling, the board adopted a recommended full‑day fee structure of $85 for full pay families, $60 for families eligible for reduced lunch (and staff), and $40 for families eligible for free lunch. The packet also included alternate half‑day rates (full pay $50, reduced $35, free $25) that the district said it could use if enrollment or staffing made half‑day schedules necessary. The motion passed 4–0; one board member was ineligible to vote while attending virtually.
Superintendent: "We want your child in a quality PreK program more than we want the money for PreK," the superintendent said, urging families to attend Preschool Roundup so the district can work with individual circumstances. The superintendent told the board that the state is likely to award very few "On My Way" or CCDF vouchers next year and that the district must plan for limited outside subsidy.
Why it matters: District leaders said PreK enrollment and early literacy instruction are critical because third‑grade retention rules increase the importance of kindergarten readiness. Administrators framed the recommended rates as an educational investment rather than a revenue source; even at the proposed full‑day rates the PreK program is expected to operate at a deficit under current enrollment assumptions.
What the board approved: The board gave administrators authority to finalize full‑day or half‑day offerings after preschool roundup and staffing decisions. Administrators said they would present the selected schedule and communicate rates to families; they emphasized flexibility to work with families who cannot afford fees.
Next steps: Preschool Roundup and family outreach will determine whether the district offers full‑ or half‑day programming and final enrollment numbers that affect staffing and budget planning.
