Thank you to our community for voting “yes!”
We recently published the MCCSC Referenda Impact Report that outlines how voter-approved funding for the school corporation’s 2022 and 2023 tax referenda is supporting local students.
In the report, we shared in detail how funding benefited students in four voter-approved areas:
• Early Learning
• Teachers & Staff
• Curricular Enrichment & Student Support
• Student School Supplies
“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 community’s investment has yielded remarkable results across all areas. More families now have access to preschool and pre-K programs. Students have benefitted from an enriched curriculum through special programs like performing arts and outdoor education. Teachers and staff received hourly and base salary increases. Waived testing fees for Advanced Placement (AP) and Career & Technical Education has removed a barrier for families.
In addition, families no longer have to worry about purchasing back-to-school supplies — we provide them for free.
These positive outcomes would not be possible without the continued support of our community.
Perhaps nowhere has the impact been more significant than in our early learning programs.
Helping children prepare for school
The 2023 Referendum has dramatically expanded early learning opportunities, ensuring that more of our community’s youngest learners can access high-quality preschool and pre-K programs regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Our community invested more than $6.2 million into expanding access to these programs, and here are just a few highlights:
The number of students enrolled in preschool and pre-K programs through MCCSC schools or partner providers doubled.
The number of students in pre-K more than doubled. For 2024-25, 376 children enrolled in pre-K at MCCSC and partner programs—a 104% increase from 2023-24.
Most families received 100% free pre-K. 68% received free pre-K and 32% received half-cost or less pre-K.
Teachers completed professional development in The Creative Curriculum, a research and play-based pre-K curriculum.
Classrooms were added and enhanced. New furniture was added to new pre-K classrooms, and worn furniture was replaced.
Curricular materials were purchased to allow us to implement the play-based Creative Curriculum in our programs.
Teachers certified in Early Childhood Education were hired to expand pre-K to all elementary schools.
As a result, our incoming 2025-26 kindergarteners are well prepared for school. Kindergarten readiness scores for MCCSC pre-K students increased from 19% in fall 2024 to 83% in spring 2025, assessed through the 2024-25 ISPROUT assessment.
At the start of the 2025-26 school year, the 2023 Referendum has now allowed us to expand access to our 3-Year-Old Preschool program, enabling all eligible families to enroll children in MCCSC’s preschool program for free or receive a stipend toward partner programs.
Currently, 142 students are enrolled and enrollment is ongoing.
Parent Testimonials
“This program has been pure joy! Were it not for this program, it is highly probable Abdullah would have experienced a delay in his educational development as he entered kindergarten. His parents and I are eternally grateful for this opportunity. His attendance also allowed his parents to both become gainfully employed.”
“We love the pre-K program. The program is full-day, which has enabled me to keep a steady work schedule. My child receives amazing instruction and care at a reduced rate of tuition.”
“The outdoor/nature learning environment has been everything and more for our little adventurous pre-K student. We are so pleased with the amount of outdoor learning that has taken place.”
To learn more about how MCCSC referenda are benefiting students, view the Referenda Impact Report at mccsc.edu/referenda.
