Monroe County, Indiana – At its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) Board of School Trustees faced a sobering financial reality. The Board discussed the significant impact of recent state legislation on public school funding, announcing that MCCSC is projected to lose approximately $17 million in revenue over the next three years due to the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1). The funding shortfall is expected to affect staffing levels, services, and the district’s long-term financial planning.
During the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston addressed the implications of the loss and how it will affect MCCSC’s operations. “The projected reduction in state funding over the next three years will impact our ability to maintain current support services and staffing levels,” said Winston. “Because payroll accounts for approximately 85% of MCCSC’s expenses, these changes from the state will require us to make staffing reductions to achieve long-term financial stability.”
Winston stressed that while the financial pressure is immense, the district is working diligently to minimize disruptions to student learning and classroom instruction. The administration is taking a multi-pronged approach to manage the deficit with care and strategy.
The first part of the plan involves cost savings through natural attrition. When teachers or staff retire or resign, those positions will not be automatically filled. Instead, the district has temporarily paused hiring and will review vacant roles individually to determine necessity and budget feasibility.
Second, the administration is combing through its operations to find efficiencies that won’t directly affect the classroom. “MCCSC is committed to protecting classroom instruction and student services. Every effort will be made to protect the direct support students receive in their schools,” Winston explained. She noted that centralized services and non-instructional programs will be the first areas evaluated for potential reductions.
Lastly, Winston highlighted the importance of thoughtful decision-making. “Any changes affecting our staff will be handled with care,” she said. “We are in ongoing discussions with the Monroe County Education Association (MCEA), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and building administrators. By making thoughtful and measured choices now, we can achieve long-term financial stability to protect the heart of what we do — serve all of the children within our care. Not just today, but for years to come.”
In addition to the budget discussion, the Board officially confirmed Aja Jester as the new representative for District 7, filling a previously vacant seat. Her appointment brings a fresh voice to the Board during a critical time for the district.
Also at the meeting, Tim Dowling, MCCSC’s director of early learning and enrollment, presented an update on the district’s Redistricting Study Commission. The commission has been tasked with identifying key factors to evaluate proposed redistricting models, in alignment with the Board’s top priorities. As part of the community engagement process, local residents are encouraged to share their perspectives through an online survey that mirrors the commission’s first meeting discussion topics.
Personnel updates included the announcement of two major departures. John Kenny, MCCSC’s Chief Financial Officer, will retire after a distinguished 30-year career effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Chris Finley, executive director of coordinated school services and strategic partnerships, is also leaving to pursue a new professional opportunity. Their departures mark significant changes in the district’s leadership team during a time of transition.
Board member Ashley Pirani provided a legislative update, outlining how the current
