On Monday, April 14th, the Indiana Senate confirmed the passage of Senate Bill 1 by a chamber vote of 27-22 – which outlines various funding requirements impacting secondary public education institutions throughout the state. 

Although the bill’s initial and explicit goals revolved around a significant decrease in annual property taxes in Indiana, certain portions of the legislation directed school districts to provide financial assistance to charter/private schools in exchange for proposed domestic financial relief – which may eventually dissolve economic stability and resource availability in densely populated districts, including Monroe County. 

Due to Indiana governor Mike Braun’s recent signature of the controversial measure, MCCSC could lose between $14.7 million and $17.2 million in direct funding within the next three academic years.

MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston stated that these realities may require the district to initiate staffing cuts and pursue external funding sources. Additionally, Winston claimed that the corporation may experience severe difficulties receiving and retaining referendum-affiliated funding. Citing unprecedented circumstances locally and statewide, Winston told WFIU that she “[doesn’t] know what [the] new normal will be.” 

Because resources and opportunities may substantially decrease due to funding cuts, Winston suggests that administration members will need to learn how to do “less with less.” Winston declined to provide additional insight, as the situation is gradually developing.