Wishek's pre-school program will need a cash infusion prior to the beginning of the 2017-18 term.

When the pre-school was established in 2011, the School Board approved a motion to cover 50 percent of program costs, up to an annual maximum of $7,000. Parents and other patrons were called on to generate the rest of the money through various fundraisers, donations and grants.

Carrie Wanner, the school business manager, says her records indicate the community has produced a total of about $40,000 in financial support for the program since its inception, with contributions each year ranging from $2,800 to $14,580.

Wanner says, as of last week, pre-school expenditures for the 2016-17 school term stood at $12,407. She anticipates a few additional outlays — mostly for payroll — and estimates the final total will come to $15,387.

The community side of the ledger then would stand at just $1,761. Word about the low carry-over balance has fueled rumors that parents of pre-schoolers may have to pay a fee next fall, something that has not been necessary during previous years.