Cohasset School Committee Considers Fee Increases to Address Budget Shortfall
Superintendent presents options to help close $1.2 million gap; committee seeks more public input before voting
COHASSET - March 5 - The Cohasset School Committee is considering implementing or increasing various fees to address a $1.2 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year.
During the Mar. 5 meeting, Superintendent Sarah Shannon presented several fee options that could generate additional revenue, including reinstating kindergarten tuition, raising transportation fees, and introducing new charges for student activities and parking.
"There are two ways to close at least a $1.2 million shortfall, either through revenue increases or through reductions," Shannon explains. "Tonight we're going to have that conversation around potential revenue increases, which for a public school district really looks at fees."
The committee decided not to vote on the proposals at its next meeting on March 19, instead opting for additional discussion to ensure greater public awareness and input.
"I think we need to adjust the timeline so that we can give just one more meeting where we're talking about this," says Chair Craig MacLellan. "I think it's going to cause problems if we vote on it at the next meeting."
One parent, Kate Rennie, attended the meeting to express concerns about the potential impact of multiple fee increases on families.
"I think my interest was piqued when I saw the proposals for the fee increases. I do think some of them are significant, but I also worry about the variability of participation in some of them," Rennie says. "Building a budget off of fees in and of itself has some built-in problems with it."
Rennie notes that the proposed fees would disproportionately affect families with high school students and kindergartners, while having less impact on families with children in grades 1-6.
The most significant proposal involves reinstating kindergarten tuition, which was eliminated in fiscal year 2024. This change would generate approximately $300,000 in revenue.
Shannon notes that while most Massachusetts districts offer free full-day kindergarten, some still charge tuition. She emphasizes that waivers would be available for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch.
Member Lance Dial expresses strong opposition to reinstating the kindergarten fee.
"The one that I believe is a third rail is the kindergarten fee," Dial says. "We went to the town and asked for this and asked for a special one-time payment because we believe based on Chapter 70 calculations that we would be self-funding after a year... I feel like we've made a commitment to the town and we just have to own that."
Other proposed fee increases include:
- Transportation: Raising the current fee from $310 to $350 per rider, which would make Cohasset's fee the second-highest in the area
- Athletics: Implementing a two-tier system for athletic fees, which have not increased "in a very long time" according to Shannon
- Student activities: Introducing a new fee for participation in clubs and theater productions
- Student parking: Charging $360 annually ($2 per day) for student parking, which is currently free
- Building rentals: Increasing fees for community use of school facilities, including raising the energy surcharge from $5 to $15 per hour
Shannon explains that all fees collected go into revolving accounts designated for specific purposes. "If we collect transportation fees, that needs to go to supporting our transportation. If we collect athletic fees, that goes to support athletics," she says.
The district's transportation costs currently exceed the revenue generated by fees. In fiscal year 2023, there was a $78,000 deficit, which grew to nearly $300,000 in fiscal year 2024.
Dial suggests that any fee increases should be temporary while the district pursues more structural solutions to its budget challenges.
"I hate the idea of having increased fees. The only thing I hate more than that is the idea of having to cut key portions of our school budget," Dial says. "Maybe we look at all these as a temporary increase with the idea that we would pursue a more structural solution to our operational gaps."
Committee member Jen Lesky requests that future discussions include information about what potential staff reductions would mean for day-to-day operations if fee increases are not implemented.
"I don't want people making a choice about their own checkbooks, but also understanding that, well, I don't have to pay as many fees, but what does that look like then for day-to-day?" Lesky says.
The committee will continue discussing the fee proposals at its next meeting, with a vote likely to follow at a subsequent meeting.
Other notable items from the meeting:
- Superintendent Shannon presented her entry plan findings after eight months in the position, highlighting the district's academic excellence while identifying opportunities for continued growth
- The committee approved the middle school and high school programs of studies for the upcoming year, removing language that made taking the MCAS a graduation requirement
- Director of Student Services Michael Stapleton provided updates on special education services and the district's integrated preschool program
- Committee member Ted Carr announced he will not seek reelection when his term expires
The next school committee meeting is scheduled for March 19, which will include a budget hearing before the regular meeting.
Shannon notes that delaying budget decisions impacts the timeline for notifying teachers who might face reductions, but the committee prioritized ensuring adequate public notice about potential fee increases.
"The longer the conversation goes on, the less notice we can give teachers who end up being teachers who are reduced," Shannon says.