BLOOMINGTON, IN — At the Board of School Trustees’ regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) held its public hearing for the 2026 budget. The corporation also shared updates on student health and safety initiatives, including technology safeguards.
The MCCSC’s 2026 budget was presented by Chief Financial Officer Matt Irwin. The 2026 budget represents an approximate $6.2 million decrease from the 2025 budget. The budget accounts for estimated revenue and expenses and includes cost efficiencies that were implemented through the corporation’s 2-year Strategy to Achieve Financial Balance.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Alexis Harmon presented MCCSC’s health and safety initiatives, emphasizing an integrated approach to student physical, emotional and mental health needs. The corporation maintains well-staffed health offices in all schools and increased registered nurses (RNs) this year.
“We were able to shift our health services model this year to increase the number of registered nurses serving our schools from 11 to 13 RNs, improving our student-to-RN ratio,” said Harmon.
All schools implement research-based strategies to foster positive environments and help students build relationships and manage emotions. In addition, MCCSC partners with community organizations to provide additional health and wellness resources.
Director of School Safety Eric Gilpin outlined MCCSC’s safety practices, which follow national guidelines and the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools framework. MCCSC school safety plans are created in collaboration with local law enforcement and are practiced regularly with school staff. MCCSC also collaborates closely with law enforcement and the Monroe County School Safety Commission in continuous school monitoring.
The corporation offers 24/7 anonymous reporting through the STOPit website and app. Information about MCCSC school safety is available at mccsc.edu/safety.
Alexis Harmon and Director of Technology Andy Koop co-presented the corporation’s implementation of technology, covering safety measures and how technology is used in the classroom. The corporation centrally manages all technology systems, monitors digital activity, and maintains rigorous processes to safeguard student privacy in compliance with federal privacy laws.
The MCCSC Information Services department works closely with the Curriculum and Instruction team to provide appropriate student access to devices and apps based on grade level, curriculum and classroom needs.
Harmon emphasized that technology in MCCSC schools allows teachers to enhance student engagement.
“When we use technology in our classrooms what you see is students talking and interacting with each other. Technology moves them from consumers to producers of knowledge which is exciting,” said Harmon. “Classroom technology has also given us a strength in differentiation, inclusion, and accessibility. Technology is not an add-on. We want technology in our schools to transform how students learn, how teachers teach, how we prepare graduates for success in college, careers, and life.”