On Tuesday, October 27, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) Board of School Trustees approved the 2027 budget and heard updates on early learning, human resources, transportation, the monthly cash flow update, and a school spotlight on mental & behavioral health supports.
Early Learning
Dr. Tim Dowling, director of early learning and enrollment, shared that after the passing of MCCSC’s 2023 Referendum, more than 900 children have attended MCCSC preschool and pre-K programs for free in the 2024-25 or the 2025-26 school years. Current enrollment in preschool and pre-K programs has more than doubled, from 262 in spring 2024 to 542 in fall 2026. These early learning programs have contributed to a 64% increase in kindergarten readiness for the past two pre-K classes entering kindergarten. This is all possible thanks to public support of the 2023 Referendum.
Podcast Episode: Hear more from Dr. Dowling and Board President Erin Cooperman on this topic on the MCCSC podcast episode, Tuition Support for Preschool & Pre-K Programs.
School Spotlight on Mental and Behavioral Health Supports
Lakeview Elementary Principal Malynda Fields shared the school’s work to support student mental and behavioral health, focusing on helping students understand their brains and emotions. Teachers and students use a common language when discussing their brain states, and students are learning strategies for self-regulation, self-advocacy, and more.
Alexis Harmon, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment shared the mental and behavioral health supports corporation wide. Throughout MCCSC schools, 21 school social workers, school counselors, and community partners work together to support students’ mental and behavioral health and connect families to resources. All schools implement safe and welcoming curricular programs that teach students skills for managing emotions, problem solving, and more.
Human Resources and Class Size Update
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations Dr. Jeffry Henderson shared that MCCSC welcomed 54 new teachers this school year; 14 of them from within MCCSC. Approximately 62% of teachers have 10 or more years of experience and 59% hold a master’s degree or higher. This school year, MCCSC added positions where student need was greatest, including music staff, registered behavior technicians, and family and community engagement coordinators. MCCSC is hiring, and open positions are posted regularly.
The majority of MCCSC classrooms are at or below the class-size ratios the Board of School Trustees has approved, and the elementary class size average (23) has not changed from fall 2025 to fall 2026.
Transportation
Dr. Jeffry Henderson shared that MCCSC buses carry approximately 6,238 students every day, and 98% of transportation runs are on time. Henderson noted that diesel fuel prices have nearly doubled since 2024. Henderson shared that MCCSC’s fleet of 63 electric buses saved more than $114,000 in fuel costs during the 2025-26 school year.
Budget Approval
The MCCSC Board of School Trustees adopted the 2027 budget presented by Chief Financial Officer Matt Irwin, which was approximately $3.07 million less than the 2026 budget. MCCSC’s public financial dashboard (mccsc.edu/everydollar) shows how the 2027 budget is allocated. The dashboard also shows how MCCSC is utilizing its current budget, referendum dollars, prior year spending, and more.
Redistricting Discussion
Board President Erin Cooperman led a brief discussion on Redistricting, Restructuring, and Reorganizing. Last month, the Board met in a public work session to discuss and draft clear parameters for Redistricting, Restructuring, and Reorganizing. The Board will hold another public work session in November to continue their discussions. The public is invited to stay informed on the Board’s discussion on this topic by signing up for email updates at mccsc.edu/redistricting.
The public is invited to stay informed on all MCCSC news and initiatives at mccsc.edu/community.