April 20, 2018
The following email from President Mearns was sent on April 20, 2018, to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, regarding House Bill 1315.
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
As you may have heard, Governor Holcomb has announced that lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on May 14 for a special session to vote on key bills left unfinished after this year’s regular session. HB 1315, the legislation that provides our University with the responsibility of appointing a new school board to manage the Muncie Community Schools (“MCS”), is one of those bills. If this proposed legislation passes, and if our Board of Trustees approves a necessary resolution, then Ball State will assume this responsibility on July 1, 2018.
Once again, we are in a position to partner with the community to change the trajectory of MCS. I continue to believe that this opportunity will enable us to mobilize our faculty, staff, and students across campus in new and innovative ways. Our extensive community engagement will also inspire people from other institutions and organizations to partner with us to provide an exceptional educational experience for the children of Muncie. And it will encourage philanthropic support from individuals and organizations eager to enhance the economic and civic vitality of our region. We are committed to the long-term success of MCS and Muncie.
I will continue to keep you informed about this process. My commitment to this opportunity remains resolute.
Thank you.
Geoff