Monroe County, Indiana – On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) Board of School Trustees convened for its regular meeting, addressing a variety of important issues that affect students, families, and staff. The meeting covered updates on the district’s early learning initiatives, strategic plans for professional development, and public engagement opportunities, in addition to acknowledging the contributions of former Board Member Brandon Shurr.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the approval of the renewal of contracts with five Early Learning providers. These providers, which include the Bloomington Center for Global Children, Bloomington Developmental Learning Center, Compass Early Learning Center, Penny Lane Child Care, and Indiana University Bloomington (Campus Children’s Center and Hoosier Courts Nursery School), are part of MCCSC’s ongoing efforts to expand its preschool offerings. This renewal is part of the MCCSC’s 2023 Referendum, which aims to provide 4-year-old Pre-K and 3-year-old Preschool programming to families with free or highly discounted tuition. Families now have the option to choose from MCCSC’s own programs or those provided by these trusted community partners.
The Referendum’s expansion is crucial for ensuring that more children in the community have access to early childhood education, which research has shown is vital for academic and social success later in life. This move is seen as a significant step toward making quality education more accessible for all families in the area, especially those who may otherwise struggle with the cost of early learning programs.
During the meeting, Assistant Superintendent Alexis Harmon gave a detailed presentation on MCCSC’s professional learning strategies, a key component of the district’s 2025 Strategic Plan. Harmon explained the district’s approach to increasing the knowledge and skills of teachers and staff to improve student outcomes. She highlighted the importance of teachers and staff taking the lead in these professional development efforts, leading workshops and training sessions to share best practices and help improve the overall quality of education within the district. This approach underscores MCCSC’s commitment to not only expanding opportunities for students but also ensuring that its educators have the tools and support they need to succeed.
In addition to the updates on early learning and professional development, Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston shared important information about the ongoing Redistricting Study Commission. Dr. Winston encouraged individuals who are interested in participating to sign up before the deadline of March 28. The Redistricting Study Commission aims to review the current school district boundaries and make recommendations for improvements based on population growth and other factors. For those interested in learning more or signing up, detailed information is available on the MCCSC website at mccsc.edu/redistricting.
Superintendent Winston also took a moment during the meeting to acknowledge the contributions of former Board Member Brandon Shurr, who recently stepped down after nearly six years of service. Shurr had been a vital part of the Board, serving as Vice President in 2021 and President for the majority of 2022 and 2023. Dr. Winston expressed heartfelt gratitude for Shurr’s leadership, particularly noting his involvement in the development of the district’s 2021-2025 strategic plan and his role in the successful passage of both the 2022 and 2023 referenda. “The Monroe County Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees and I extend sincere gratitude to Mr. Brandon Shurr for his dedication and service to the students, families, staff, and our community,” Dr. Winston said. “We greatly appreciate his contributions to our school community.”
As Shurr’s departure has created a vacancy on the Board, MCCSC has opened up the application process for interested candidates to apply for the District 7 position. Applications are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. Those interested in applying can find more information on the MCCSC website under the Board of School Trustees tab.
Another exciting announcement made by Dr. Winston was the opportunity for the public to engage with her directly. She invited community members to attend “Muffins with Markay” on Friday, March 28, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at University Elementary School. This informal event provides an opportunity for individuals to ask questions, share feedback, or simply learn more about the district’s initiatives and goals. In addition to this event, Dr. Winston also offered one-on-one meetings on Wednesday, April 9, for those who prefer a more private discussion. More details on these engagement opportunities are available at mccsc.edu/superintendent.
Board member Ashley Pirani also provided an update on Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. Pirani’s updates, which are regularly shared on the MCCSC website, keep the public informed about key bills being tracked by the Indiana School Boards Association. This legislative update serves as an essential resource for staying up-to-date on developments that could impact local schools.
The meeting wrapped up with details about the next Board meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the MCCSC Co-Lab located at 553 E Miller Dr, Bloomington, IN. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be streamed online on the MCCSC YouTube channel. Those interested in past meetings, presentation materials, and recordings of the meeting can also find them on the Board of School Trustees tab at www.mccsc.edu.
In conclusion, the March 2025 MCCSC Board meeting highlighted the district’s ongoing efforts to improve early childhood education, provide professional learning for staff, and engage the community in important decisions. As the district continues to focus on both short-term improvements and long-term planning, the collaboration of staff, families, and the community will be key in driving success for all students.
