Saugus Union School District officials are set to discuss a tuition raise and possibly a materials fee for the child development programs at their governing board meeting Tuesday.

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“At this time, what the board is looking at is the increase in tuition and possibly a materials fee,” said Michelle Morse, director of child development for the Saugus Union School District.

The figure recommended by staff for the tuition increase was an 8-percent increase, Morse said.

The amount of the tuition increase, as well as the possible addition of a fee for learning materials, would be at the governing board’s discretion, Morse said.

Related article: Saugus Union Officials To Talk Child Care, Development Programs

There was not a specific figure tied to the materials fee, but Morse anticipated that discussion would take place at Tuesday’s board meeting.

“There was lots of discussion Thursday,” Morse said, “my understanding is, we’re bringing it back around to have additional conversation.”

A special meeting called last Thursday to address board members’ concerns about the program’s fiscal issues.

The programs in the discussion include the before- and after-school care offered at all school sites in the district, and the district’s preschool programming.

The program serves hundreds of families throughout the district, officials said.

There are 1,122 students in the district’s before- and after-school programs, and 529 students in preschool programs, according to information provided by Christine Hamlin, the district’s assistant superintendent in charge of instruction.

The programs, which were created in 1992, are available districtwide at the respective school sites, Lucid said.

“This is the program that I have a real stake in and I think it provides just an incredible service for parents,” said Joan Lucid, superintendent for the district. “We don’t build a school without making sure there’s an opportunity for a child care facility.”

Tuesday’s meeting is expected to provide important discussion and answers for parents going forward, Morse said, adding that programs’ busiest enrollment period is around the corner.

“We want to make sure we’re able to provide parents on the most accurate information,” Morse said. “Obviously, we would love to see our numbers increase. We want to serve more families.”

Here is a link to the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.

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