District maintains reduced athletic and music fees, sets family cap at $400

The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee voted to keep the reduced athletic and music user fees established last year and to set a family cap of $400 for the coming school year.

Members debated whether lowering or eliminating fees would increase participation and whether the district budget could absorb the lost revenue. Administration said the user‑fee revenue (about $72,000 for athletics and $17,000 for music in prior years) is part of the operating plan and that reducing fees further would require reallocating funds or finding new revenue sources.

After discussion and several proposed amendments, the committee adopted a motion to reduce fees by 50 percent (the existing reduced level) with a family cap of $400; the motion passed by voice vote. Members discussed outreach to neighboring districts that have eliminated fees and asked the athletic director and boosters to explore sponsorship or alternative fundraising options.

Committee members reiterated that waivers and fee‑assistance remain available for families on free or reduced‑price lunch programs.