Muncie Community Schools reports gains in attendance, lower chronic absenteeism and wide student participation in summer programs

Dr. Owens reported to the Muncie Community Schools board that the district closed the school year with broadly improved metrics, saying, “Our attendance is up. Our chronically absent students are down.” He told board members that nearly every district metric they track showed improvement and praised staff, principals, students and families for the results.

The superintendent said the district recognized “over 300” graduates from Central High School at commencement and noted that a significant share of graduates earned postsecondary credentials. Board members in discussion cited counts of 309 and 311 graduating seniors and estimated about 60 associate degrees or other credentials earned through partnerships with IvyTech and Ball State. One board member framed those credits as a tuition savings for families, noting IvyTech coursework transfers to four-year institutions.

Dr. Owens also summarized summer programs intended to support learning: i3 literacy camps for second- and third-graders (with Camp Adventure used for mornings and enrichment in the afternoons), a short robotics camp for approximately 30 elementary students, in-person remedial instruction for incoming freshmen in core subjects, and summer band activities that will include multiple contests through late July and early August. He described the end-of-year data retreat that brought together school leadership and student support teams to examine performance indicators and refine plans.

The report did not include an exact districtwide graduation rate figure in open session; Dr. Owens said some numbers were embargoed but noted the graduation rate was looking to exceed last year’s figure (which he characterized as a banner year). No formal board action was taken on the report. The board scheduled a financial update by Brad at the next meeting.