MCCSC superintendent cites financial gains, warns of $30M-plus funding hit in State of the Schools address

Written from press release

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Monroe County Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston said the district is in a stronger financial position than a year ago, while also warning that new state legislation is projected to reduce MCCSC funding by more than $30 million through 2031, according to an MCCSC press release.

Winston delivered the comments during the corporation’s second annual Student Excellence Awards and State of the Schools address, where nearly 100 students from MCCSC’s 23 schools were recognized for achievements across academics, the arts, community impact and other areas, the release said.

“We are financially stronger today than we were one year ago,” Winston said in the release. “My promise tonight is that we will continue to be good stewards of your dollars in support of our children.”

Financial strategy and new transparency efforts

MCCSC attributed the improved financial outlook to a two-year strategy launched in February 2025 to bring spending in line with revenue amid declining enrollment and changes in state funding. Winston cited improved cash balances across the corporation’s five major funds and said quarterly updates are available on the district’s strategy webpage, according to the release.

The district also outlined new efforts aimed at public transparency, including a webpage launched in January titled “Every Dollar, Every Student,” intended to provide ongoing updates on how corporation funds are invested in students and schools. MCCSC also reported mailing a Referenda Impact Report to households and posting it online detailing how voter-approved referendum dollars are being spent; the report is expected to be published every two years, the release said.

Senate Enrolled Act 1 impact

Winston also discussed the projected fiscal impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which MCCSC said is expected to reduce district funding by more than $30 million from 2026 to 2031. The district estimates the law will also reduce voter-approved referendum revenue by $3 million to $4 million annually, according to the release.

Winston said MCCSC is “adjusting to this new normal” alongside public school districts across Indiana.

Linking finances to academics

A second theme of the address focused on academic performance and classroom outcomes, which the release described as one of the school board’s two priorities, alongside fiscal balance.

Winston said MCCSC has aligned instructional systems across all schools to advance student learning, building on the corporation’s use of Professional Learning Communities. The district said it has strengthened those efforts through Instructional Leadership Teams and each school’s “One Plan,” aligned to corporation-wide goals in literacy, numeracy and college and career readiness.

“Excellence does not happen by chance,” Winston said in the release. “It is built, intentionally, through strong leadership, sound systems, efficient structures, and a community that believes deeply in public education.”

Awards and recognitions

The ceremony recognized student honorees and student groups from each of MCCSC’s schools, along with a Teacher of the Year from each school, according to the release. The event also recognized Bloomington High School North Principal Matthew Stark as District 9 Principal of the Year, an honor awarded by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

Student leaders Ana Iovino and Abe Corry served as emcees, and the program included live musical performances and a student art exhibition, the release said.

Editor’s note: This story is based on information provided in an MCCSC press release dated Feb. 6, 2026.

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