'Moving Toward a Lot of Positives'

In July 2018, Ball State University officially began its partnership with Muncie Community Schools. Since then, enrollment has stabilized, the schools have received substantial philanthropic investments, and new academic programs and professional development have been introduced, among many more impressive results.

Timeline

May 14, 2018

The Indiana General Assembly voted in favor of legislation that provided Ball State with the responsibility of appointing a new school board to manage MCS.

May-June, 2018

Applications opened for the new MCS school board and public forums collected input from the community.

May 16, 2018

Media outlets reported that the partnership had already raised $3 million in community support from foundations, businesses, and private donors.

July 1, 2018

A new MCS board took office.

Aug. 6, 2018

Classes began at MCS.

Jan. 3, 2019

The Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University Community Engagement Council hosted an inaugural “We Thank You Appreciation Luncheon” to recognize teachers, drawing a crowd of almost 600 educators and supporters.

Jan. 30, 2019

The MCS-BSU Joint Academic Innovation Council was established to begin working on the long-term Academic Innovation Plan.

Feb. 15, 2019

The MCS board appointed Dr. Charles Reynolds, a Muncie native, as associate superintendent.

May 17, 2019

The Community Engagement Council hosted “A Night 4 You” appreciation gala for educators.

May 21, 2019

The joint MCS-BSU Academic Innovation Council hosted a well-attended “Dreams for Our Schools” open forum. The event kicked off a three-month effort that, in partnership with the United Way of Delaware County, collected educator and community input on the Academic Innovation and Financial Liability Plan.

July 1, 2019

The MCS board voted to hire Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Ed.D., as the new Director of Public Education and Chief Executive Officer.

July 23, 2019

Muncie teachers received their first salary increase in eight years.

What We've Accomplished

Enrollment stabilizes

The 2018-19 school year began with 160 more students than it otherwise would have had, following an ambitious, collaborative campaign in which Ball State helped with recruitment and registration. The efforts helped stabilized the school corporation's previously declining enrollment.

students working on crafts in classroom

Community organizations pledge millions of dollars to support MCS

This partnership has encouraged philanthropic support from individuals and organizations eager to enhance the economic and civic vitality of our region.

Soon after the Indiana General Assembly approved the legislation establishing the partnership, community institutions committed $3.1 million for our local schools. MCS faculty and staff are the first to benefit. The University is directing $50,000 to fund classroom supplies for MCS educators to use in their classrooms.

Teachers receive recognition for their hard work

Supporting teachers has been one of the top priorities of the new partnership. In July 2019, the MCS School Board passed the first teacher salary increase in eight years. To further demonstrate the value placed on Muncie educators, Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University Community Engagement Council hosted the “We Thank You Appreciation Luncheon” in January 2019 and “A Night 4 You” appreciation gala in May 2019.

teachers working at a computer

Volunteers showed up by the dozens to help start the year right

Over the past year, hundreds of Ball State faculty and staff contributed their time, talents, and skills to volunteering on behalf of our local public schools.

Among their efforts, volunteers helped with registration and classroom preparations, assisted with school special events, and lent a hand in classrooms and at lunch time.

Charlies Cardinal with students

Academic Innovation Council empowers MCS and Ball State to move forward together

Ball State faculty and students are initiating academic and immersive learning projects with MCS through a newly formed Joint Academic Innovation Council, which is creating innovative programs and strategies to improve the academic performance of MCS students.

The council has launched a series of educator and community input sessions, in partnership with the United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties, to inform the development of the long-term Academic Innovation and Financial Viability Plan to be presented to the Indiana legislature in June 2020. The council is hosting an inaugural district-wide Innovation Summit in September 2019.

'Our Voice Is Important'

“I think it’s exciting that Ball State is actually asking us what we need as educators. Our voice is important. We’re in the classroom. We know what kids need.

“The kids get excited when they see Ball State students inside the schools. The partnership brings everyone together. We all benefit from it.

“I trust Ball State because I know what it is capable of doing. It wouldn’t have joined this partnership if it didn’t know it could work with Muncie Community Schools to make it better.”

Tameka Wilson
Teacher at Southside Middle School

‘Doors Have Opened’

“It’s exciting that doors have opened up to allow us to team with people who are experts in different fields. That can help enrich the learning experiences of kids at school.

“Ball State has given professors time to work in Muncie schools as part of the partnership. It’s meaningful when students get to work alongside people such as actual architects. It’s a hands-on experience.”

Erica Collins
Teacher at Northside Middle School

MCS students playing Tug of War

'We're Just in the Beginning'

“Everybody’s in it together. It’s better for our kids. It’s better for our staff because there’s more help. It’s better for our parents to know that we have these partnerships. It’s a win win.

“Broad picture, this partnership shows that the community is coming together, that Muncie is one great place to live.

“It’s been a positive first year. But the partnership will continue to grow. The right people are in place. We’re just in the beginning.”

Eric Grimm
Principal of Northside Middle School

hands helping

Thinking about ways you can be a part of our partnership? Our Academic Innovation Council is looking for project ideas from Ball State faculty, staff, and students that can have meaningful impacts on MCS students. And the Community Engagement Council (CEC) seeks partners to advocate for Muncie Community Schools through fundraising and volunteerism.

See What's Next

school

Muncie Community Schools offer new leadership, enhanced academic programs, award-winning and dedicated teachers, before- and after-school child care programs, and more financial support for classrooms and teachers.

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