Marion, Indiana – Marion Community Schools is set to embark on one of the most ambitious transformations in its recent history, fueled by a grant worth up to $4 million from the Indiana Department of Education. The funding, which will be directed toward Justice Intermediate School and McCulloch Junior High School, promises to reshape how students in grades 5 through 8 experience learning, with a focus on making education more engaging, hands-on, and future-ready.
The grant comes as part of a highly competitive statewide process, with Marion being one of only four school systems in Indiana chosen to receive this significant boost. District leaders say this recognition validates their vision for reimagining the classroom and building a stronger foundation for student success.
“This is a huge opportunity for Marion,” MCS Superintendent Stephanie Lockwood said. “Our staff work hard every day to support students, and now we have the resources and expert partnership to take our schools to the next level. This is about giving every student a learning experience that is challenging, meaningful, and built for their success.”
Building a New Learning Experience
Over the next four years, classrooms at Justice and McCulloch will look and feel different from the traditional model. Lessons will be designed to encourage active participation, with students taking a bigger role in how they learn. Instead of simply receiving information, they will work on projects, solve real-world problems, and explore subjects through inquiry and discussion.
The district plans to place student voice and ownership at the center of the curriculum. That means students will have more opportunities to direct their own learning while also building the academic skills they need to excel. Leaders say the goal is not only to prepare them for high school but also to develop the “durable skills” — such as collaboration, communication, and perseverance — that will serve them throughout life.
“This transformation is about more than raising test scores,” Lockwood explained. “It’s about making sure our students feel connected to their learning, to their schools, and to their futures.”
A Community Effort
Marion Community Schools is not approaching this change alone. The district intends to bring families, community leaders, and local organizations into the conversation from the earliest stages of planning. That means the broader Marion community will have a voice in shaping the future of these two schools.
“We are ready for this work,” Lockwood said. “We have dedicated educators, supportive families, and students who deserve the very best. With the guidance of our partner EES Innovation and the opportunity provided by this grant, we are ready to build something great together.”
Meeting Modern Challenges
Like many districts nationwide, MCS is working to adapt to shifting educational demands. Preparing students for college, careers, and a rapidly evolving job market requires more than incremental improvements. This is why the district sought — and secured — the multi-year Next Gen SIG grant, which will support not only academic improvements but also a rethinking of how schools operate on a daily basis.
Key focus areas will include strengthening literacy and math instruction, deepening student engagement, improving attendance rates, and fostering a stronger sense of belonging for every student. The district also plans to align its work with Indiana’s High School Redesign framework, ensuring that students’ middle school experiences lay a strong foundation for what comes next.
Innovative Models in Action
At the heart of the plan are new learning models that will become an everyday part of school life. Literacy Studios will immerse students in rich reading materials, structured writing practice, and meaningful discussion. Math Labs will focus on collaborative problem-solving and reasoning, helping students approach math as an active, engaging discipline rather than a static set of rules.
Students will also participate in Exploration Labs — hands-on, project-based environments where they can connect classroom learning to real-world applications, including potential career paths. Leadership Institutes will help students strengthen personal confidence, communication skills, and self-direction through guided development opportunities.
These are not enrichment programs tacked on to the side of the school day. Instead, they will form the core of how teachers and students interact in every subject.
Technology and the Future of Teaching
In addition to these new classroom approaches, the grant will allow MCS to focus on increasing AI literacy among educators. Teachers will receive training in using artificial intelligence tools to personalize learning, making it possible to adapt lessons to each student’s needs. This initiative is aimed at equipping staff with modern tools to deliver stronger, standards-based instruction.
A Proven Partner for Change
MCS will not be navigating this transition alone. The district has partnered with EES Innovation, an Indiana-based organization that has helped districts across the state successfully implement major school improvements. EES Innovation is already familiar with Marion’s needs, having worked with its elementary schools to boost reading achievement, including notable gains in IREAD3 passage rates.
Under this new partnership, EES will guide MCS through an initial planning year followed by three years of implementation, ensuring the changes are both effective and sustainable. Their expertise will help the district apply research-based strategies in a way that fits the local community’s needs.
Looking Ahead
For district leaders, the grant represents more than just a financial windfall — it’s a chance to take bold steps toward a better future for Marion’s students. The focus will be on creating schools where learning is active and connected to life outside the classroom, where students are engaged and confident, and where teachers have the tools they need to succeed.
If successful, the transformation at Justice Intermediate School and McCulloch Junior High School could serve as a model for how other districts in Indiana — and beyond — rethink middle-grade education.
“This is not just about what happens in the next four years,” Lockwood said. “It’s about building a system that will continue to serve our students well for decades to come.”
With planning already underway and the community preparing to get involved, Marion Community Schools is ready to put this $4 million investment to work, creating an educational environment that inspires, challenges, and prepares every student for the future ahead.
