New Pentucket Regional Full-Day Pre-K Option

The Pentucket Regional School District is launching its first-ever full-day, five-day pre-kindergarten program for 3-year-olds, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This change is part of a larger budget strategy to address a $1.125 million deficit while maintaining services.

Key Points:

• New Full-Day Pre-K Program – First-time offering, addressing childcare needs.
• Budget Approval & Deficit – $52.4 million FY26 budget approved, still facing a shortfall.
• Fee Increases & Revenue Generation – New fees and services to close the gap.
• School Choice Expansion – Up to 80 new students to bring in additional funds.

Details:

New Full-Day Pre-K Program

• Available for children as young as 3 years old.

• Cost set at $1,000 per month, lower than the Massachusetts childcare average of $1,488.

• Expected to generate $360,000 in revenue.

Budget Approval & Deficit

• School Committee approved a $52.4 million budget for FY26.
• Goal is to avoid a Proposition 2-1/2 override request in Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury.

• Despite cost-saving efforts, a $1.125 million gap remains.

Fee Increases & Revenue Generation

• Increased fees for athletics, before and after-school programs, and facility rentals.
• Additional revenue sources aim to prevent staff layoffs and program cuts.

School Choice Expansion

• District will accept up to 80 out-of-district students into grades 9-12.
• Helps offset the budget deficit through additional state funding.