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SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – The School Committee on January 13 increased tuition for the pre-school and discussed making up required school days at David Prouty High School in the wake of its closure because of water damage.
Superintendent Paul Haughey noted that his recommendation for pre-school fee increases followed an analysis of rates in southern Worcester County and the fact that Spencer-East Brookfield’s rates had stayed the same for 16 years.
Haughey said as of November, the Cubs Corner Pre-School had 113 students; 79 from Spencer, 22 from East Brookfield and 12 from surrounding communities like Leicester, West Brookfield, Brookfield, Auburn, Fiskdale, Sturbridge and North Brookfield.
Forty-three of those children receive special education services, the superintendent added.
After members discussed several pricing scenarios, they agreed on the following: increasing tuition from $15 to $20 for half-day slots and going from $32 to $40 for full-day. Out-of-district rates went from $15 to $22.50 for half-day and $32 to $45 for full day. The new rates are effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
Haughey said there are children on a waiting list to enroll in the program and some parents want to change from part-time preschool to full-time for their kids.
Pre-School Director Nancy Manske said families put in schedule requests as they register and they are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Therefore, there are not a set number of slots for part-time or full-time pre-school year to year.
“It all depends on what families ask for,” Manske said.
Additionally, she said, “full-day slots are coveted,” because they are often used as daycare. Some parents just want their kids to have a pre-school experience and start them off at part-time, she added.
Make up dates considered
In other business, the superintendent spoke about the December sprinkler main break that caused damage on the main and second floors at DPHS. He asked the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for a waiver on making up the school days lost because of this “extraordinary event.” It was denied.
Haughey noted that Mass. General Laws require 180 school days and a minimum of 990 hours.
In his proposal, Haughey initially recommended a half day on Saturday, January 24 and Thursday, January 29 (with students in the a.m. and staff in p.m. for professional development). The other make up day would be on Good Friday. The remaining two days would take place at the end of the year.
“DESE said we could re-submit the waiver should we need snow days at the end of the year,” Haughey said.
Committee members objected to the January 24 date, noting some students had jobs and athletic activities on Saturdays, while others said it was too short notice.
Haughey noted the time was taken off for cleanup to ensure students could return to DPHS, “smoothly, safely and efficiently—for the common good not only of our high school but for our district.”
Committee member Heather Messier said she did not have a problem sending her two students to school on a Saturday morning . She said, “It’s better to get it over with now. We are bound to get more snow.”
In response to a question about transportation, Haughey noted that the days he presented were discussed and acceptable to the union.
School Business Manager Gary Suter said the limited buses/drivers they would need for just DPHS would be put through as part of the insurance claim (for the sprinkler main damage).
The committee accepted the dates except for January 24.
Haughey said they could add that third make up day onto the end of the year, mindful of the fact there would likely be more snow days.
At a future meeting, the board could discuss other possible Saturday mornings that could work and would have better advance notice to families and students.
The main line burst was also reviewed, with the superintendent expressing thanks to the Spencer and Leicester fire departments and student interns who worked on cleanup.
He also thanked Fontaine Brothers, Colliers (OPM) and Whitsett Jones for their help in getting the repair and restoration of the building done.
Haughey noted that the “most critical damage,” took place to the new gym floor , “where standing water required new surfaces.” A new gym floor was ordered and it could take up to eight to 12 weeks to arrive.
Replacing the floor will take three to four weeks, Haughey said, and if possible, would take place during vacation.
“If necessary, it’s at the end of this school year once the students have concluded their business,” Haughey said about a timeline.
The superintendent said he has been assured by Fontaine Brothers that insurance will cover the costs and the $116.4M project budget will not be impacted.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has given a target date for completion of August 14.
