The YMCA After School Child Care Program's arrangement with the Rochester Memorial School may sound too good to be true – it’s allowed to use school grounds without paying rent.

That could soon change though.

The School Committee is poised to discuss charging the program to use the school. The care program runs from the end of the school day to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for students in kindergarten through grade 6.

Town Administrator Richard LaCamera had asked why the YMCA, a private organization, was allowed to operate without compensating the district for electricity, heating, cooling, and wear and tear of school property. His comments were part of a wide-ranging talk about the School Committee’s fiscal habits that occurred last month.

In response, School Committee member Sharon Hartley said that discussion should take place. “It seems fair and reasonable to have some fee paid,” she said.

Superintendent Doug White spoke to YMCA officials and learned the program earns enough to cover its operating cost, but not much more.

Some committee members said the program offers a service for parents. They weighed that benefit against the extra income a fee would generate.

“We must consider the needs of families who use this program and hear from them,” said committee member Tina Rood. Chair Michelle Cusolito agreed: “It is important to have after school activities.”

The program offers homework assistance, in addition to art and recreational activities. Typically, it serves between 15 and 20 children.

This is not the first time district officials have considered charging the YMCA to use the building, White said.  Nothing came from those initial talks though.

Hartley said the matter should be taken up later, after the committee gathers more information.

“We do want to have a conversation about a fee,” she said. “I’m not sure we have enough information to do that today.”