School Committee Weighs Fee Increases Amid Budget Shortfall

The Cohasset School Committee is considering increases to several student fees in an effort to address a budget shortfall. The proposed adjustments could impact transportation, athletics, student activities, and parking.

The discussion, held during a recent school committee meeting, outlined several potential changes aimed at offsetting rising costs and maintaining school programs.

School Committee Member Lance Dial emphasized the importance of ensuring that fee increases align with actual costs.

"To the extent that we can show how these fees are related to the costs of providing services, that’d be helpful," Dial said. "From a philosophical standpoint, you want your fees to be aligned to costs."

One of the key proposals under consideration is an increase in transportation fees. Currently, Cohasset is among the higher-charging districts in the region, with neighboring Hingham planning to raise its fee to $360 per student. Committee members noted the importance of reviewing the overall impact before making a decision.

Athletic fees could also see an increase, with a proposed two-tiered structure that would charge more for higher-cost sports such as hockey, swim, and football.

Committee Member Victoria Hanna expressed concerns about the impact of fee increases on families, particularly in the context of other financial pressures.

“I think we need to look at the big picture,” Hanna said. “If we’re raising transportation and athletic fees at the same time, we need to consider what that means for families who are already stretched thin.”

In addition, a new student activity fee is being considered. This fee, set at $60 per student for middle school and $100 per student for high school, would help fund extracurricular activities. Some members noted that similar fees are already in place in other districts.

A student parking fee is also under discussion. Under the proposed change, students who drive to school would be required to pay $2 per day, potentially generating approximately $40,000 in additional revenue.

School Committee Member Jack Creighton raised questions about how the fees would be implemented and whether they would be structured in a way that minimizes administrative burdens.

“If we’re adding a parking fee, we need to be clear on how it’s going to be enforced,” Creighton said. “What’s the process for students to pay? How do we make sure it’s fair and consistent?”

While no final decisions have been made, the committee expects to continue discussions at upcoming meetings before voting on the proposed changes.

"If you could do some thinking about that between this week and next Wednesday, we can have a more broad discussion," Superintendent Sarah Shannon said. "And then on March 19th, we'll ask for a vote on the different fee structures."

The school district plans to notify families about the discussions and provide opportunities for public input before the final vote.

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