Rockport committee votes to phase in preschool tuition increase over two years

The Rockport School Committee voted to phase in an increase to the district’s integrated preschool tuition, approving a motion to raise full‑time tuition by $6.25 this year and $6.25 next year, with yearly reviews afterward.

Ann Marie Lester, the district’s director of student services, presented the program’s finances and background. She said the integrated preschool’s FY25 expenses total about $270,075, the program has capacity for 15 students, and current tuition intake this year is roughly $62,570. Lester told the committee she and administration considered comparators across the North Shore and private preschools and noted: “What we're proposing is to raise the daily rate to $40 per day.” The presentation showed the North Shore public average around $42 per day and private preschool averages near $62.50 per day.

Committee members expressed concern about the size and timing of any increase, debating median versus mean comparisons, the risk of reduced enrollment if families switch to private providers, and whether revenues from tuition are earmarked. A finance staff member clarified that preschool tuition flows into the district’s special education reserve and that an all‑in increase to $40/day would yield an estimated $20,000 net gain to that reserve.

After discussing alternatives — including moving to a $38 median, incremental increases over one or two years, or percentage‑based steps — Member (speaker 2) moved the phased $6.25/$6.25 increase and Member (speaker 7) seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. The administration said it will publish updated tuition rates on enrollment materials and monitor enrollment and revenue impacts.