BLOOMINGTON, IN — On Tuesday, April 28, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) Board of School Trustees heard updates on college and career preparation, Indiana’s new school grading system, and the findings of the MCCSC Redistricting Study Commission, among other topics.
Alexis Harmon, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment, shared an overview of Indiana’s new school grading system, approved by the State Board of Education in March 2026. The 2025-26 school year will be the first time schools will receive letter grades from the state since 2018. The 2025-26 school year will serve as a baseline year, meaning schools will receive a grade for informational purposes only.
The new model will look beyond test scores to also measure academic growth, work-based learning experiences, student attendance, and industry-recognized credentials students earn before graduation.
The School Board also heard an update on how MCCSC is helping students explore careers and prepare for life after high school. Through Hoosier Hills Career Center and MCCSC’s four high schools, students can choose from 26 career and college pathways to gain real work experience and earn industry-recognized certifications. Because work-based learning has been a continued priority, MCCSC is well-aligned with Indiana’s new high school diploma, which allows students to earn a degree focused on college, a career, or military service.
Eric Gilpin, director of secondary education, also referenced a recent study that showed MCCSC schools are statewide leaders in preparing students for college.
Dr. Tim Dowling, director of enrollment and early learning, presented the findings of the MCCSC Redistricting Study Commission, which followed a research-based approach.
“The Commission served as our public voice during our redistricting study and allowed us to find out what mattered most to our community as we studied redistricting,” said Dowling. “We were able to incorporate directly from our public input the top considerations that matter to our community. We also had diverse representation from parents, staff members, community members, and teachers.”
Dowling shared the Redistricting Study Commission findings:
- Redistricting can balance socioeconomic status (SES) across schools if quantifiable parameters that define balance are established (e.g. a ratio of free and reduced lunch to paid lunch students).
- The Commission could not make substantive cost-effectiveness assessments without parameters or outcomes established.
- Geographic Information System tools using standardized boundaries (e.g., census blocks) offer an objective method for drawing future attendance zones.
- The closure of one or multiple elementary schools could potentially improve SES balance without causing building utilization rates to exceed industry standards.
- SES balance achieved across elementary schools would effectively transfer to middle and high schools.
- There is tension between the goal of improving SES balance and the community’s considerations of minimizing student reassignment, limiting transportation disruption, and maintaining neighborhood schools.
Erin Cooperman, president of the MCCSC Board of School Trustees, thanked the Commission for their study and said the Board would plan to discuss it further.
“I want to second [Dr. Dowling’s] thank you to the community members who participated in this process,” said Cooperman. “You’ve given us a lot to think about and you’ve noted the ways in which you’re … passing the baton back to us and I appreciate that you have outlined the things that now we need to take into further consideration.”
The public is invited to stay informed on MCCSC news and initiatives by visiting the MCCSC community webpage at mccsc.edu/community.
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Each month at the regular Board of School Trustees meeting, MCCSC recognizes the achievement of employees, students and volunteers through the “Excellence Spotlight” award. In April, Dr. Troy Cockrum (above) was recognized for his selection as a 2025–2026 Armstrong Teacher Educator by the Indiana University School of Education. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional educators across Indiana and provides opportunities to engage with IU students and faculty through panels, discussions, and collaborative activities throughout the academic year.
In addition, Bloomington High School South sophomore Peter Kovacs was also recognized for his achievements at the IHSAA Boys Swimming State Finals. Peter captured two state titles, winning both the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle — a rare accomplishment that makes him only the second sophomore in school history to claim dual state championships in the same year.