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Fruitport board approves ECC tuition hike, flags adult education program for possible cuts
Summary
Trustees approved a daily tuition increase for the Early Childhood Center and were warned the Adult Education Program could lose its pupil FTE funding under its current structure; Chartwells' food-service contract was renewed for 2026–2027.
The Fruitport Community Schools Board of Education approved an increase to Early Childhood Center (ECC) childcare tuition rates and was warned that the district's Adult Education Program faces funding risk under its current structure.
On April 20 the board voted 7-0 to adopt revised ECC daily tuition rates of $65 for infants/toddlers and $55 for preschool-aged students, effective August 1, 2026. Trustee JB Meeuwenberg moved the change and Trustee Kris Cole seconded; the board also retained a 10% sibling discount for the oldest enrolled child and directed staff to issue a 60-day notice to families by June 1, 2026.
Board members were also informed that the Adult Education Program "will no longer receive pupil FTE funding as it is currently structured," placing the program at risk pending state budget decisions. Brenda Baker addressed the board, provided a packet of program-impact data and announced her upcoming retirement; the board recorded that further discussion and difficult budget decisions may be required depending on the state budget.
Additionally, the board approved the 2026–2027 food-service management contract renewal with Chartwells by unanimous vote. No contract amount or detailed terms were included in the public minutes.
Trustees and staff noted benchmarking information presented to the Business & Finance Committee; the committee had discussed a slightly different tuition model in committee (a $60/$50 daily proposal for infants/preschool) but the board-approved rates differ as recorded in the board action. The board did not take action on the Adult Education Program at this meeting beyond receiving information and direction to continue discussions.
The board recorded a bill listing approval of $761,994.21 under the consent agenda and scheduled a Special Board Meeting on April 27 to conduct a student disciplinary hearing.
