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2026 MCSC Operating Referendum

ELECTION DAY 11/3/2026

Overview

The Mississinewa Community School Corporation (MCSC) is seeking community support for a proposed 2026 Operating Referendum to secure essential funding that sustains and advances daily educational operations across the district.

Over recent years, rising costs for staff salaries and benefits, facility maintenance, utilities, instructional materials, and other critical services have outpaced available revenues. Without additional support, we face difficult decisions that may compromise the quality of education, limit program offerings, or require reductions in staff and services.

If approved, this referendum will allow our district to continue providing high-quality instruction, maintain safe and well-equipped facilities, retain and attract talented educators, and invest in programs that support every student’s growth and success.

This website is your one-stop resource. Here you’ll find the 2025 Strategic Plan, Data Books, Meeting Videos, Financial Projections, and answers to frequently asked questions — all designed to help you understand the needs, the impact, and the benefits to our community.

We believe in transparency, accountability, and partnership with our community. As stewards of public trust, we’re committed to using these resources to maintain and grow excellence in education for all students across MCSC.


 

Superintendent's Message

"As Superintendent of Mississinewa Community Schools, I believe in the power of community partnership to ensure every child has access to an excellent education.

The 2026 Operating Referendum represents a critical investment in the future of our students, our schools, and our community. Legislative changes (SEA 1) have reduced our Operations Fund revenue, putting essential programs, services, and staffing at risk. This referendum is not about adding new programs or buildings — it’s about preserving the high-quality education our students currently receive and ensuring we can maintain strong schools for years to come.

Our district has worked strategically to control costs, absorb staffing through attrition, and make responsible financial decisions. However, without this referendum, we face cuts that will impact transportation, staffing, academic programming, and extracurricular opportunities.

I encourage you to explore this website, watch our board work sessions, review our data books, and get informed. Your voice and your vote matter. Together, we can protect the excellence that defines Mississinewa Community Schools."

— Jeremy M. Fewell, Superintendent
Mississinewa Community School Corporation

SEA 1 and Funds Distribution

SEA 1 and why capital referendum was delayed.

What is SEA 1?

Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), proposed by Indiana Governor Mike Braun, was designed primarily to lower property taxes for taxpayers across the state. The legislation accomplished this in part by limiting Business Personal Property Taxes and reducing the Property Tax Replacement Credit.

While this provided tax relief to property owners, it also reduced the amount of local revenue flowing into school district Operations Funds, which are used to pay for daily expenses such as transportation, staffing, utilities, building maintenance, and instructional support.

How SEA 1 Impacts Mississinewa

For Mississinewa Community Schools, the impact of SEA 1 is compounded by the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in Gas City, which already limit the growth of the district’s taxable assessed value. Together, SEA 1 and local TIFs have significantly reduced Operations Fund revenue for Mississinewa — a fund that was already well below the state average on a per-student basis.

This means that without additional local support through an operating referendum, the district will face increasing challenges to maintain transportation, staffing levels, and essential student services.

Why the Capital Referendum Was Delayed

Prior to SEA 1, Mississinewa was preparing for a capital referendum to address long-term facility needs. However, with these new revenue reductions, the Board made the strategic decision to delay the capital referendum and focus solely on an Operating Referendum in 2026.

This approach prioritizes stabilizing day-to-day operations before tackling major facility projects.

 

How will funds be used?

The primary purpose of the 2026 MCSC Operating Referendum is to fund day-to-day operations, with a major focus on maintaining student transportation services.

Due to revenue losses from SEA 1 and the impacts of TIF districts in Gas City, Mississinewa’s Operations Fund can no longer sustain essential services at current levels without additional local support.

If the referendum is not approved, the district will be forced to cancel a large portion of its transportation system, including many bus routes that families rely on every day. This would create significant challenges for students and families and impact attendance, participation in extracurricular activities, and access to educational opportunities.

Referendum funds will be used to:

  • Preserve student transportation, ensuring buses continue to run daily for eligible students.
     
  • Retain and attract quality teachers and staff.
     
  • Maintain safe, well-functioning facilities.
     
  • Support essential student programs and services that impact learning and growth.
     
  • Cover operational costs such as utilities, insurance, and maintenance.
     

Key Point

The referendum is about keeping core services in place — especially transportation — so that students can get to school safely and reliably every day.


 

What happens if the referendum fails?

If the 2026 Operating Referendum does not pass, Mississinewa Community School Corporation will face significant and immediate financial challenges due to the ongoing revenue reductions caused by SEA 1 and a historically low Operations Fund levy per student. The failure of the referendum would not reduce expenses—it would reduce the district’s ability to fund essential day-to-day operations.

Without this critical local support, the district would need to make substantial cuts that could include:

  • Transportation Reductions
     
    • Decreased or eliminated bus routes, potential increase in walking zones, and longer ride times for students.
       
    • Fewer extracurricular and activity trips.
       
  • Staffing & Program Reductions
     
    • Reductions in teachers, instructional aides, and support staff.
       
    • Larger class sizes.
       
    • Fewer course offerings and extracurricular opportunities.
       
  • Facility & Maintenance Impacts
     
    • Deferred maintenance on aging buildings, roofs, parking lots, and HVAC systems.
       
    • Limited ability to address safety and operational needs in a timely manner.
       
  • Academic & Student Support Impacts
     
    • Fewer intervention programs, academic supports, and extracurricular options that contribute to student success and engagement.
       
    • Reduced ability to attract and retain high-quality educators.
       

Because state funding does not fully cover the cost of operating strong, comprehensive K–12 programs, the operating referendum is essential to maintain the level of education and services our community expects. These cuts would not be temporary—they would become the new baseline for district operations.

Failure of the referendum would not just affect programs — it would affect people, opportunities, and the long-term vitality of Mississinewa Community Schools.


 

Meeting Videos and Presentations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)