Harrison board approves modest preschool tuition increase to keep program solvent

The Harrison School District Board of Education on April X, 2026 approved a modest increase in preschool tuition intended to keep the district’s expanded preschool program financially sustainable. Administration told the board the change would generate between about $32,500 and $97,000 in additional annual revenue, with an average estimate near $63,000; the largest tuition change was characterized as roughly $15 per week for extended‑day slots and about $5 per week for regular‑day tuition.

Finance director Shannon Lovelace explained the recommendation and the district’s goal of “just barely be[ing] in the black” for the program. Administration noted preschool’s purpose is early literacy intervention and that the district has not raised tuition materially since the program was expanded in 2018–19. The presenters said inflationary pressure has not been fully recovered—the district cited a 31.44% increase in CPI since 2018—and that the proposed fee adjustments are intended to preserve program capacity rather than produce profit.

Board members asked for comparisons with area providers and for evidence preschool attendance improves later outcomes. Administration said preschool participants show higher early reading proficiency and are better prepared to begin kindergarten, and administrators stressed that the program provides breakfast, lunch and transportation and is highly rated in state evaluations. The district reported it currently has 80 ABC slots that are fully taken and that a requested increase of 20 state‑funded slots was denied.

After discussion, the board voted to adopt the tuition change (motion by Mr. Both; second by Mr. White). The motion carried; the transcript records approval but does not provide a roll‑call tally.