MCCSC says financial strategy saved $13.2 million while limiting classroom impact

Written from press release

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Monroe County Community School Corporation says it has achieved about $13.2 million in annual savings through a two-year financial strategy aimed at balancing the district’s budget while limiting the impact on classrooms.

The MCCSC Board of School Trustees heard the update Tuesday, May 19, during its regular meeting, where district leaders presented the corporation’s quarterly update on its 2-Year Strategy to Achieve Financial Balance. A YouTube video of the meeting is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzheP_W28qA&t=32s

According to MCCSC, 79% of personnel cost savings came through voluntary retirements, voluntary resignations and position transfers, rather than employee separations. The district said 57% of all cost savings came through operational efficiencies, reductions in non-teaching positions and the end of COVID-era roles.

Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston said the district’s Strategic Staffing Model helped MCCSC reduce costs while protecting the student experience. The district said the approach began with voluntary retirements and resignations during the 2024-25 school year, followed by voluntary and involuntary position transfers. MCCSC also pursued operational savings in areas such as technology and supplies to reduce the need for staff cuts.

The district said the model resulted in one teacher being separated from MCCSC through position reductions over two school years. Other teacher position changes were handled through retirements, resignations or transfers that kept employees with the school corporation.

“Our guiding light in this work has been protecting the student experience and being thoughtful about our people,” Winston said in the release. “This has been a challenging year for our MCCSC teachers and staff, and I want to thank them for their flexibility, particularly those who navigated transfers to new roles or buildings.”

Winston said MCCSC plans to provide professional development and support for teachers transitioning into new positions or buildings for the upcoming school year.

The board also heard updates on MCCSC Online, the district’s virtual school option. Dr. Tim Dowling, director of enrollment and early learning, said 76 students are currently enrolled, with 19 new students expected to be admitted for the 2026-27 school year. MCCSC said the program allows high school students to take in-person courses and participate in sports and extracurricular activities at Bloomington High School North and Bloomington High School South.

Chief Financial Officer Matt Irwin also presented MCCSC’s monthly financial report and directed the public to the MCCSC Financial Dashboard for updated financial information.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jeffry Henderson gave an update on the district’s Designing and Building to Sustain Excellence project. MCCSC said Bloomington High School North’s bond-funded athletics and parking project remains on track for completion in fall 2026.

Winston also invited the community to attend or watch MCCSC graduation ceremonies. The Class of 2026 includes students from Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship and the Bloomington Graduation School. MCCSC Adult Education celebrated 52 graduates May 13.

The post MCCSC says financial strategy saved $13.2 million while limiting classroom impact first appeared on The Bloomingtonian.