Cohasset Schools Explore Fee Increases to Address Growing Budget Shortfall
District considers new student activity fees, parking charges, and increases to existing fees as deficit grows to over $740,000
COHASSET - February 26 - The Cohasset School District faces a growing budget shortfall that has increased from $740,000 to approximately $800,000, according to Director of Finance and Operations Susan Owen's monthly update to the School Committee.
Owen explained that despite a budget freeze, certain expenses must continue, including preparations for graduation and other essential services, contributing to the growing deficit.
"Unfortunately, the special education shortfall of $180,000 remains unchanged from last month," Owen said. "Transportation has increased from $56,454 to $113,000."
The district is now exploring various fee increases and new revenue sources to help address the financial challenges. Superintendent Sarah Shannon presented potential fee adjustments that could be implemented to partially offset the budget gap.
"We are, as part of the budget process, going to be discussing fees," Shannon said. "The fee discussion and your eventual votes on that fee discussion impact both our ability to finalize our budget for 2026, but also the number of reductions that we may or may not have to make."
Shannon emphasized the importance of making timely decisions about fees to provide clarity for staff members who might be affected by potential reductions.
Among the proposed changes is reinstating the $3,000 kindergarten fee for full-day kindergarten, which was eliminated in 2024. This change alone could bring approximately $300,000 to the district, though officials note there would be some offset in Chapter 70 state funding.
The district is also considering transportation fee increases. Currently, Cohasset's transportation fees are "towards the high end" compared to neighboring districts, with only Hingham charging more at $360 per student with a family cap of $625.
Athletic fees may see a restructuring with a proposed two-tiered system. Higher-cost sports like hockey, swimming, and football would be placed in a higher fee tier, while other sports would be set at $350. The ski team, which currently pays $250 including a ski pass to Blue Hills, would move to $350 but be responsible for their own ski passes.
New fees under consideration include:
- Student activity fees of $60 per student at the middle school and $100 per student at the high school
- Student parking fees of $2 per day for high school students who drive to school, potentially generating around $40,000
- Increases to building rental fees, which currently generate approximately $40,000
The School Committee plans to discuss these fee proposals at their next meeting on March 6, with a vote scheduled for March 19.
"Would you mind taking those slides and compiling some sort of file that we can email to the district just notifying them that we're talking about these fees at the next meeting?" Chair Craig MacLellan asked Shannon. "So that everyone's aware of that."
Committee member Lance Dial requested additional information showing how the proposed fees relate to the actual costs of providing services.
"From a philosophical standpoint, you want your fees to be aligned to what you're providing," Dial said. "I know we're in a dire budget situation, and so my inclination is to turn all up to 11 and see what we can do. But I would like to make sure that they have a relation to what their terms are being provided."
In other financial updates, Owen reported that utilities costs are up, with electricity usage slightly higher than last year. While gas usage through December was lower than the previous year, Owen anticipates a jump in these numbers due to recent cold weather.
The district's food service program continues to show strong participation, with approximately 60% of students participating in December, slightly down from 59% in November due to the holiday break.
Other notable items from the meeting included:
- High School Principal Brian Scott reported positive results from the school's new cell phone policy. "It's been very well received, and I'm really impressed with the level of maturity that our kids have," Scott said. He noted increased social interaction in the cafeteria, describing it as "louder" and "more vibrant" since the policy was implemented.
- The School Committee reviewed program studies for both the middle school and high school. Middle School Principal John Mills presented changes to the wellness curriculum based on new state frameworks, while High School Principal Scott introduced a new "pathways" concept that would allow students to focus on specific areas of interest throughout their high school career.
- Superintendent Shannon announced plans for an independent evaluation of the athletic program by Mark Ottavianelli, a former athletic director and designer of new NEASC athletic standards. The evaluation will include forums with students, parents, coaches, administration, and the School Committee.
- A comprehensive list of field trips offered throughout the district was presented, prompting discussion about expanding opportunities for students to visit Boston and other nearby educational destinations.
The School Committee will meet again on March 5 to continue budget discussions and review the proposed fee increases in greater detail.