MCCSC superintendent outlines staffing cuts, $7M annual savings plan as enrollment falls

Dr. Winston, superintendent of the Monroe County Community School Corporation, told the board on July 22 that the district faces a structural budget imbalance driven by declining student enrollment and rising operating costs.

“Our first priority was to begin examining our staffing levels and to align our staffing with student instructional needs,” Dr. Winston said, describing a two‑year strategy announced in February that relies first on natural attrition, then targeted non‑classroom reductions and staff transfers. He told the board those measures have resulted “in a reduction of more than 200 positions, which, if they remain on field will save the corporation approximately $7,000,000 annually.”

The superintendent said MCCSC has lost enrollment since 2020 — a decline of more than 833 students over four years — and cited local demographic data showing reduced birth rates and a 7.7% population decline in the county in the same period. He said the district also faces “increased cost of utilities, transportation and insurance.”

Dr. Winston framed the actions as necessary to achieve fiscal balance while protecting classroom instruction. “We prioritized natural attrition as our first strategy,” he said, calling it “one of the most humane approaches” and noting the district’s historical annual attrition of roughly 10 to 12 percent. The second strategy, he said, targeted non‑classroom positions created during the COVID‑19 response. A third approach moved existing staff into vacant positions rather than hiring externally.

The superintendent also outlined operational preparations for the 2025–26 school year: registration for kindergarten through 12th grade will open online, school supplies will be provided to each child funded by the district’s referendum, meet‑the‑teacher events are scheduled the week before school, and the first day of classes is Wednesday, Aug. 6. Dr. Winston said the district expects to serve “more than 10,000 excited children” in the coming year.

Board discussion was limited to expressions of appreciation; the board did not vote on the fiscal strategy at the meeting. President Hennessy and other trustees thanked Dr. Winston and staff for the work involved in planning the school year and addressing the financial challenges.

The superintendent acknowledged stakeholder engagement and named former CFO John Kenny and two assistant superintendents for their assistance in the planning process. He closed by reiterating the district’s commitment to instruction and services while pursuing fiscal stability.