Preschool Program Fees Set to Increase for 2025-2026 School Year
School Committee approves higher rates to ensure program sustainability while eliminating two-day option
BRIDGEWATER - May 21 - The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District's preschool program will see significant fee increases for the upcoming school year after a unanimous vote by the School Committee during their May 21 meeting.
The committee approved raising the three-day program fee from $2,250 to $3,000 annually and the five-day program from $3,750 to $5,000. Fees are typically paid by parents in two installments throughout the academic year. Additionally, the district will eliminate the two-day program option entirely.
"We have not increased the preschool program fee in a substantial number of years," School Committee Chairperson Rachel King noted during the meeting.
The changes aim to make the preschool program financially sustainable. According to budget documents presented at the meeting, the current fee structure creates an annual shortfall, making the program unsustainable in its present form.
Superintendent Ryan Powers explained that the district researched comparable programs before proposing the new rates.
"We did have an opportunity to review some statewide data. There was a statewide survey put out through the Mass Superintendents Association around preschool fees," Powers said. "Our recommendation is in line with many of the three and five-day programs that we looked at."
The district's preschool program currently serves 88 students, with 80 already enrolled for the upcoming school year. The program follows the regular school calendar, operating approximately 165 days per year.
Committee member Timothy Fitzgibbons calculated that the new five-day rate equates to about $30 per day, which he suggested remains reasonable compared to private options in the area.
"Even looking at preschools in the area, and certainly we were all, most of us were all there at some point, looking at how much we paid for preschool and daycare, I think these rates are reasonable for certainly what we're providing," Powers said.
The elimination of the two-day program was recommended by administration officials who indicated it wasn't cost-effective and created staffing and scheduling challenges. By removing this option, the district can free up space for additional students in the three-day and five-day programs.
"By eliminating the two-day, we're actually able to free up some seats that we would now be able to spread out over those five days," Powers explained.
The district anticipates the changes will generate approximately $85,000 in additional revenue annually, which would cover the cost of three full-time employees within the program's revolving fund.
Committee member Michael Losche questioned whether the district accepts childcare vouchers for the preschool program. Powers clarified that while they don't accept traditional vouchers, they do work with state agencies like the Department of Children and Families when applicable.
"If there was a family or child that was in the custody of the Department of Children's Family or some state agency, and they qualify for preschool, we certainly accept that as well," Powers said.
Several committee members expressed concern about the size of the increase, though they ultimately supported the change.
"This is a percentage-wise big increase. It's still a very low cost per day, but it is a high increase," King said. "I would rather that we had a policy of consistently looking at every fee and doing minimal increases every year if need be, to keep up with prices."
Fitzgibbons noted that the fees don't apply to students with documented special education needs. "This charge is only for our peer group. So any student requiring service through the special education team process, IEP process, they would not be charged a fee," he said.
The committee also discussed the high demand for the program, with Powers confirming they consistently maintain a waiting list.
"We have always had a waiting list for preschool," Powers said. "Given the fact that we have had a wait list for some time now, I do think we'd still be able to fill this program even if we do increase rates."
Committee member Cleonie Mainvielle asked about the enrollment patterns, noting that the five-day program currently has lower enrollment than the two-day and three-day options.
Powers explained this is primarily due to space limitations in the current structure. "There's less space in the five-day program because we do offer the two-day and three-day. We don't have as many seats in the five-day program," he said.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the new fee structure, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
The preschool fee increase was part of a broader discussion about district fees, as the committee reviews all revenue sources amid ongoing budget challenges and a potential override vote in both Bridgewater and Raynham.
The committee also approved a new facilities use fee schedule and discussed potential increases to athletic and club fees, though no action was taken on those items.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Bridgewater Raynham Regional School District.
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