Bloomington, Indiana – As the school bells prepare to ring on August 6, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) is set to welcome more than 10,000 students into classrooms for the 2025–26 academic year. With the new year comes not only eager learners and dedicated educators but also a renewed commitment to two key priorities: academic excellence and achieving long-term financial balance.
According to MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston, these two goals are deeply connected. “The two priorities are intertwined. Achieving financial balance will sustain our ability to continue our tradition of academic excellence,” Winston said. With MCCSC now halfway through a two-year financial strategy, district officials say they are already seeing results. The plan, introduced earlier this year, aims to close funding gaps and increase efficiency while maintaining a strong educational foundation for all students.
“In May, we announced we’re on track to save approximately $7 million annually,” Winston said. “As we continue to work toward financial balance, we will continue to identify cost efficiencies that are educationally sound, good for kids, fiscally responsible, and sustainable.”
The district’s academic approach remains robust, with an array of program options to meet students where they are. MCCSC schools continue to offer a wide variety of educational experiences, including arts and music education, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), project-based learning, outdoor education, and 26 distinct career and college pathways. Winston describes this diversity as a hallmark of the MCCSC experience.
This year also brings exciting growth in early education, thanks in large part to community support for the 2023 Referendum. One of the standout highlights of the new school year is the expansion of the 3-year-old Preschool program. The program, now serving 120 students, continues to accept enrollments. Importantly, families living within the MCCSC district who earn 225% or less of the Federal Poverty Level can access the 3-year-old Preschool program at no cost.
“We’ve seen firsthand how early learning impacts future academic readiness,” said Winston. “We are grateful to the community for their support in expanding access to these vital programs.”
The district’s Summer EdVenture Camp also saw record participation this year, particularly among Pre-K and kindergarten students. Over 250 of the youngest learners attended the summer enrichment program, with many families paying nothing thanks to referendum funding.
The benefits of expanded Pre-K offerings are already showing measurable results. Last year, enrollment in the 4-year-old Pre-K program more than doubled. As a result, kindergarten readiness scores have dramatically improved. According to the 2024–25 ISPROUT assessment, the percentage of MCCSC Pre-K students demonstrating readiness jumped from just 19% in fall 2024 to an impressive 83% by spring 2025.
“That kind of progress is exactly why we invest in early childhood education,” Winston said. “It changes the trajectory of a child’s academic life.”
To further reduce barriers for families, MCCSC will continue to provide free school supplies for all students. This effort, funded by taxpayer dollars and made possible by the 2023 Referendum, ensures that every student starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed—regardless of income level.
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Another new feature for the 2025–26 year is MCCSC Online, a fully virtual school option for grades K–12. The new digital platform offers students the flexibility of online learning while still giving them access to MCCSC services and programs, making it a viable choice for families seeking alternatives to traditional in-person instruction.
As the first day of school approaches, MCCSC is completing preparations to ensure a smooth and safe start. “We are finalizing all preparations to welcome students — from ensuring we’re staffed to meet student health and mental health needs, to planning transportation routes and school menus, to ensuring our buildings are polished, secure, and ready for students,” Winston noted.
Families are encouraged to explore the MCCSC website (mccsc.edu) for information on academic programs, student services, safety protocols, special education, and more. Questions and concerns can also be directed to individual schools for tailored support.
As the buses roll out and students head into classrooms next week, MCCSC is focused on what matters most: delivering quality education while building a sustainable financial future. With the backing of an engaged community and a clear plan, district leaders say they are optimistic about the path ahead.
“We look forward to welcoming students into our schools for high quality educational options and supports,” Winston said. “This year marks another step toward strengthening the foundation of learning and opportunity for every child in Monroe County.”
