In short: The Family-Centered & Community-Focused initiative increases access for students at all grade levels, with many families annually receiving benefits worth several thousand dollars.

• The plan offers free or affordable, high-quality PreK for all 3- and 4-year-olds in the community. 
• For students at all grade levels, the plan covers costs on items ranging from instructional supplies to AP and CTE test and certification fees.

In detail: The November 7 ballot question seeks voters’ approval for raising MCCSC’s current referendum tax rate (18.5 cents per $100 assessed valuation) by 8.5 cents.

If approved, the referendum will finance expanded services, primarily early childhood education. The school corporation would provide for all families:

• Free Pre-K for 3-year-olds whose families meet free/reduced lunch guidelines, for an annual cost of $2.5 million.

• Free or reduced-cost 4-year-old Pre-K, for an annual cost of $3.5 million.

• District-paid instructional materials, testing fees and student technology devices, for an annual cost of $1.25 million.

• Career and technical education tuition and fees, for an annual cost of $1.25 million.

MCCSC assembled and prioritized this list of benefits by identifying currently unfunded needs, especially those that have a negative impact on families with lower incomes. By providing rich educational experiences for pre-kindergarten children in Monroe County, this plan would increase ready-to-learn rates and improve life-long educational outcomes. By fully funding instructional materials, exam and career fees, and supply costs, the Family-Centered & Community-Focused initiative would increase access to education for all students and families.

The plan is consistent with the school corporation’s published goal of increased funding from local sources through community-approved initiatives - particularly in areas that cover needs that have not been funded by the state legislature.