Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Every Dollar, Every Student - Financial Transparency
Every Dollar, Every Student
Every decision we make in MCCSC schools starts with a simple question: What’s best for our students? That includes how we manage our budget and invest public tax dollars. We believe our community deserves to see exactly how their investment in education translates into supporting our students and our schools. This page is designed to help you understand MCCSC finances in clear straightforward terms so you can see the care we take with every dollar — and every student.
Want to see the numbers? Click below for our 2026 Budget and our actual expenditures from previous years, which are available by March after each fiscal year ends.*
Fast Financial Facts
-
23 schools: 533.4 acres of property, 88 art & performance spaces (stages, art and music studios), 21 gymnasiums, 16 outdoor athletic spaces (fields, courts, tracks).
-
Student Enrollment: 9,937 (October 2025 K-12 ADM*)
-
Average Teacher Salary (2024) $65,051 – Approximately 7.4% higher than the statewide average of $60,557.
-
Minimum Starting Teacher Salary (2025): $57,750 – Nearly 28% higher than the state-mandated minimum of $45,000.
-
Bond Rating AA+ Long Term Rating & A+ Underlying Rating
-
Rainy Day Fund Balance: $1,212,500 (Date?)
Salary Source: Indiana Gateway. Statewide data; MCCSC data
*Average Daily Membership.
School Funds 101: What You Need to Know
Understanding how school budgets work can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. School corporations like MCCSC don't have just one big pool of money—we have several different "Funds" that work like separate bank accounts within our overall budget. Each Fund has its own revenue source, and Indiana state law sets rules for what each can be used for. Money in one Fund can't simply be moved to cover expenses in another, which is why MCCSC may have enough funding for one type of expense but not another. Read below for a simplified explanation of how MCCSC Funds are used and most importantly, how every dollar supports our students and schools.
Education Fund:
Pays Teachers
The Education Fund pays for expenses directly related to student instruction and learning, including teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and instructional materials.
Funded by: State Tuition Support received in a “per-pupil” amount based on student enrollment, called “Average Daily Membership” (ADM)
Approximately 48% of 2026 Budget
Up to 15% of Education Fund state aid may be transferred to the Operations Fund each year.
Operations Fund:
Pays for Daily Operations
The Operations Fund covers the day-to-day costs of running schools and managing facilities that aren't directly tied to classroom instruction, such as transportation, utilities, building maintenance, custodial services, and technology.
Funded by: Local property taxes
Approximately 21% of 2026 Budget
Debt Service Fund:
Pays for Building & Renovation
The Debt Service Fund is used to repay bonds and other long-term debt the school corporation has incurred for major capital projects like building construction, renovations, or equipment purchases.
Funded by: Local property taxes at a rate set by the Department of Local Government Finance
Approximately 12% of 2026 Budget
2022 Referendum Fund:
Supports Teachers & Support Staff
A portion of all teacher and support staff wages and benefits are paid for by the 2022 Referendum. Teachers/Salaried Staff received a $4,500 base pay increase beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Support Staff received $2.25 hourly raises beginning November 9, 2022, in addition to a 1.5% raise effective January 1, 2023.
Funded by: Monroe County voters approved an eight-year local property tax referendum in 2022.
Approximately 12% of 2026 Budget
2023 Referendum Fund:
Supports Early Learning
The 2023 Referendum primarily expands families’ access to early learning by eliminating or heavily discounting tuition costs for 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs. Funding also covers the cost of student school supplies, college course fees, and Career and Technical Education costs.
Funded by: Monroe County voters approved an eight-year local property tax referendum in 2023
Approximately 6% of 2026 Budget
Financial Documents
State Financial Audit Reports
The Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA) performs independent audits of all public school corporations to ensure public funds are handled properly and in accordance with state and federal requirements. These reports provide transparency and accountability for how taxpayer dollars are managed. Below are MCCSC’s most recent audit reports.
MCCSC Compliance Examination Report (July 2022-June 2024)
This report reviews whether MCCSC followed applicable laws, policies, and required procedures when managing public funds. It focuses on compliance with rules and regulations rather than the district’s overall financial condition.
MCCSC Financial Statement and Federal Compliance Audit Report (July 2022-June 2024)
This report examines MCCSC’s financial statements for accuracy and reviews compliance with federal program requirements. It provides assurance that the district’s financial records are reliable and that federal funds are being used appropriately.
Budget Documents
For more information, visit MCCSC Budgets webpage
Frequently Asked Questions about our Finances
How can MCCSC afford construction projects?
When a school corporation needs to finance a construction or renovation project, it issues bonds—borrowing money that is paid back over time. Large construction and renovation projects are paid for through MCCSC’s Debt Service Fund, which by Indiana law can only be used to repay bonds and other long-term debt. The Debt Service Fund gains revenue through local property tax revenue at a rate certified by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance, based on the bond repayment schedule. That is why MCCSC may have funding available to complete construction, but it cannot use that funding for any other purposes, such as employee wages and benefits.
Can Referendum funds help with MCCSC’s financial stability?
Yes, but our two referenda funds must only be used for their specific, voter-approved purposes. (See School Funds 101 to learn what the 2022 and 2023 Referendum Funds must be used for.) For context, MCCSC’s referenda funds make up approximately 18% of MCCSC’s 2025 budget.
However, these dedicated funds are facing pressure. Both of our referenda are not receiving the full amounts voters approved due to state legislation that limits the revenue we collect through local property taxes. Because of state legislation passed in 2023, we received approximately $1.2 million less in local property taxes than voters approved for our 2022 Referendum and we will continue to receive less each year. This means our 2022 Referendum can only funding a portion of the wage and benefit increases it was designed to fund. Looking ahead, Senate Enrolled Act 1 will further reduce the amount of property tax revenue we receive for our 2022 and 2023 referenda, beginning in 2026.
*2025 expenditures will be available by March of 2026. This is because actual expenditures are available after the financial data has been certified by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) after each fiscal year ends.