Rate Increase for VPK Extended Day Approved
By: Shelia Mader
At the June 16 meeting of the Jackson County School Board, members discussed an increase in the district's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) extended-day fee, raising the rate from $15 to $20 per day. Superintendent Hunter Nolen explained the increase was not the result of a federal mandate but rather a local decision based on a review of comparable programs in the area. According to district officials, the fee had remained unchanged for several years while similar providers were charging closer to $19 per day. Superintendent Nolen set the new rate at $20 per day. For families utilizing this service, the prorated monthly payment will be $340. Families will have the option of paying weekly, with the monthly option allowing them to have a budgeted amount for the 10-month period.
While board members did not object to the fee increase itself, questions were raised about the district's payment policy requiring parents to pay in cash. Board member Rex Torbett expressed concern about prohibiting checks and money orders, asking why parents could not use those methods to make payments. District staff explained that bounced checks are automatically referred to a collection agency through the district's system, but Torbett maintained concerns about limiting payment options for families.
Board member Chephus Granberry also questioned the cash-only requirement, noting that asking parents to provide exact cash payments could create unnecessary inconvenience. Granberry suggested allowing money orders as an alternative, pointing out that they are certified funds and would eliminate concerns about making change while still providing a secure form of payment. District staff indicated they believed money orders could be accepted and agreed the option warranted consideration.
The discussion concluded with clarification that parents may pay weekly if they choose, provided payment is made before services are rendered. The extended-day VPK program covers approximately three to three-and-a-half additional hours of care beyond the state's standard VPK instructional day. A letter to parents and guardians will be sent to those utilizing the program about the increase.
