Board approves renewals for early learning partners; New Hope contract capped at $60,000, IU contract up to $260,000

The Monroe County Community School Corporation voted May 19 to approve multiple contracts, including renewals for two early learning partners to serve three‑ and four‑year‑old students in 2026‑27 under terms tied to MCCSC resolution 2026‑05.

Miss Harmon presented the recommendations: a contract with New Hope Early Learning Center with a total not to exceed $60,000 per 12‑month contract year, and an agreement with the trustees of Indiana University Bloomington Early Childhood Education Services not to exceed $260,000. She said both contracts will be paid from the 2023 referendum fund.

"The total cost of this agreement is not to exceed $60,000 per 12 month contract year and will be paid from the referendum fund 2023," Miss Harmon said when describing the New Hope agreement. She later said the trustees of Indiana University contract "not to exceed 260,000 and will be paid from the referendum fund 2023."

Board members discussed voting procedure (whether to vote on contracts individually or as a group) but ultimately voted to approve the contracts as presented. The administration said the partnerships are structured to comply with Indiana Code 20‑28‑5 (partner programs must be nonprofit and deliver a federally approved preschool program) and to strengthen, not compete with, community early learning providers.

Next step: Contracts will be executed under the terms presented; administration indicated these are renewals for the 2026‑27 school year and are funded through the referendum.

Sources: Contract presentations and board vote during the May 19 meeting (Miss Harmon).