Monroe County, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) has unveiled its comprehensive Referenda Impact Report, offering a detailed account of how funds from the 2022 and 2023 tax referenda have been used to enhance educational opportunities and support families in the region. Released on the MCCSC website, the report reflects how voter-approved funding has been allocated across multiple areas from January 2023 through March 2025, shedding light on the direct impact this funding has had on schools and students.
“We are deeply appreciative to voters for supporting referenda to benefit families and students and sustain excellence in our schools,” said Dr. Markay L. Winston, MCCSC superintendent. “This funding has been transformative, especially for our youngest learners and their families. The expansion of our Pre-K program has been a true difference-maker for families, removing financial barriers and providing quality early education.”
The funding, amounting to approximately $22.6 million per year, has been distributed across four key areas of focus: early learning, teacher and staff compensation, curricular enrichment and student support, and school supplies. Each of these sectors has seen significant advancements, benefiting a wide range of students and families throughout the MCCSC district.
The 2023 referendum placed a strong emphasis on early education, with an impressive $6.2 million invested in expanding early learning opportunities for local children. The funds have been instrumental in more than doubling the number of families able to enroll children in the 4-year-old Pre-K programs offered by the district. As a result, approximately 68% of families now receive Pre-K completely free of charge, while an additional 32% benefit from discounted or subsidized enrollment.
One of the most notable components of this expansion is the planned increase in access to 3-year-old preschool programs for the 2025-2026 school year. For families whose income is 225% or less of the Federal Poverty Level, enrollment in MCCSC’s Preschool program will be completely free. Additionally, qualifying families will be eligible to receive a stipend to help cover costs for partner programs, ensuring that more children benefit from early childhood education.
This expansion has been a major boost for families in the community, especially those who previously faced financial barriers to early education. By removing the cost of enrollment, MCCSC is ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to start their academic journey on strong footing.
The second key area of funding has been directed toward teacher and staff compensation, with a total of $34.5 million allocated for this purpose. In an effort to retain and attract talented educators, the referenda funding provided a $4,500 base pay increase for teachers and salaried staff beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Furthermore, support staff received a $2.25 hourly wage increase in November 2022, along with a 1.5% raise in January 2023.
These investments in staff compensation have been essential in recognizing the hard work and dedication of MCCSC educators and support personnel. By improving wages, the district aims to ensure that teachers are well-compensated for the critical role they play in shaping the future of students.
The referendum has also made it possible to increase student access to enrichment programs and eliminate financial barriers to educational success. Approximately $3.6 million was dedicated to expanding access to dual credit courses, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and career certification exams. This funding ensures that students have the opportunity to take part in rigorous academic courses and earn college credit while still in high school, putting them on the path to success in higher education or the workforce.
These expanded opportunities are particularly impactful for students who may have otherwise been unable to participate due to the costs associated with these programs. By covering the expenses of AP exams and career certifications, the district is helping students explore their academic interests and gain skills that will serve them in the future.
Perhaps one of the most universally appreciated aspects of the referenda funding is the investment in school supplies. The district allocated nearly $913,000 to provide free school supplies to families, effectively eliminating the need for back-to-school shopping and removing a significant financial burden from households. This initiative ensures that all students, regardless of income, start the school year with the materials they need to succeed.
This effort has been a game-changer for many families, especially those facing financial hardships. By taking on the cost of school supplies, MCCSC is helping level the playing field, ensuring that every student has access to the resources required to thrive academically.
The release of the Referenda Impact Report is part of MCCSC’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability. As Dr. Winston emphasized, the funding has not only benefited current students but has laid the groundwork for future generations of learners. To maintain this transparency, the district plans to release updated impact reports every two years through 2031, ensuring that the community remains informed about how referendum dollars are being utilized.
The public is encouraged to visit the MCCSC website at mccsc.edu/referenda to explore the full report, watch video testimonials from families who have directly benefited from these initiatives, and learn more about how referendum funding is making a lasting impact on local education. Additionally, the district continues to update its community information portal, which provides resources and information on all ongoing MCCSC initiatives, including the referenda report and upcoming strategic plans.
The Monroe County Community School Corporation’s Referenda Impact Report serves as a testament to the power of community support and the lasting benefits that such investments can have on education. By prioritizing early learning, teacher support, enrichment programs, and the reduction of financial barriers, MCCSC is ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
