At the June 3 School Committee meeting, the Committee voted to increase fees for participation in our Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) programs at BHS (June 3rd VPA Fee Presentation). This decision was made in order to sustain the quality and breadth of our VPA offerings for students across the district.
The fee increase will help ensure that we can:
Provide the necessary funding to support the full range of VPA programming;
Maintain technical support staffing essential for performances and events; and
Preserve these opportunities in the face of general fund reductions for FY26.
This fee restructuring includes instituting a 3-tier system, where the fee levels align with the level of participation:
Music - $335 / year
Marching Band/Color Guard, BMHS Winds, Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Combo, Chamber Music small ensembles, Madrigal Singers, A Cappella, Winter Percussion/Winter Guard
Performing Arts - $500 / year
Fall Semester: Broadway Night, Fall Play, Improv
Spring Semester: Musical, One Acts, Improv
Music and Performing Arts - $600 / year
All Activities in Music and Performing Arts
These new fees will go into effect in the 2025-2026 school year.
We recognize that any increase in fees will have an impact on families, particularly those with financial constraints. To support equitable access, the district is streamlining the fee waiver system to make it more accessible and responsive to family needs. Families who qualify based on income and household size may be eligible for partial or full waivers, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating in these important programs. Review Fee Waiver Information here.
Our VPA programs offer students meaningful opportunities to pursue their creative passions, collaborate with peers, and engage in enriching experiences that support their growth and development. We aim to provide these opportunities for all students while maintaining the high-quality programming BHS has had for many years.
We remain committed to supporting the arts as a vital part of our students’ educational experience and appreciate your partnership in this effort.