Parents, union and board debate teacher shortages and a proposed $12.5 million transfer

At the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) board meeting on Jan. 27 parents and union leaders raised alarm about teacher resignations and the effect on classroom staffing.

Parent Alice Kilbride said the number of teachers resigning exceeds posted openings and asked what happens to students when midyear positions are not refilled, noting demographic trends toward more high-needs students. "Replacing a teacher who resigns mid year is not strategic. It's convenient," she said.

Jenny Noble Kucera, president of the Monroe County Education Association, opposed board resolution 2026-04, which she said could permit moving $12,500,000 from the education fund (which pays for teachers) into the operations fund (for buildings, transportation and maintenance). "Just so that our larger community understands, the education fund pays for teachers," Kucera said.

Board members decided to repeal a teacher appreciation grant because of changes in legislation. Dr. Henderson presented a nonunion support-staff and administrator salary schedule that included no increase to base pay but aligned stipends and insurance contributions with new agreements; the motion to approve the schedule passed unanimously.