Taunton School Committee approves tuition‑free, full‑day Pre‑K for 2026–27

The Taunton School Committee voted Nov. 19 to eliminate tuition for the district’s full‑day Pre‑K program beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

Superintendent Mr. Cabral proposed the change and told the committee the district currently serves 147 preschool students (30 receiving Chapter 70 funding and 117 tuition‑paying general‑education peers). He said the state’s model will provide $5,066.15 per model student beginning in 2027–28, which the administration estimates would generate about $593,744 in new Chapter 70 revenue and more than double current tuition revenue. “The plan is being developed by the administration with a key focus on financial sustainability,” Cabral said.

The proposal is designed to be cost‑neutral and, according to Cabral, would not require an increase in the district’s overall budget or an assessment to the city; the administration said existing funds would be reallocated to cover costs. The committee approved the motion by roll call (Ms. Santos was absent). On the vote Mr. Enos; yes, Mrs. Chaves; yes, Mr. Pawlowski; yes, Mrs. Fagan; yes, Mr. Vieira; yes, Mr. Loura; yes, Dr. DeMelo; yes.

The decision opens full‑day Pre‑K to all eligible four‑year‑old residents who are not already enrolled in another program. The administration said more detailed implementation planning and budget alignment will follow; the committee did not set a follow‑up date in the minutes beyond standard administrative work to operationalize the change.

The committee’s action was procedural and final for the district; the superintendent framed the change as expanding access while relying on the expected Chapter 70 adjustment to maintain fiscal neutrality.