School News

News for Marion Community Schools

Posted: by Patricia Gibson, Communications Director
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From the Chronicle-Tribune

Marion Community Schools might see additional state funding after a Feb. 15 enrollment count showed the corporation has gained students since the start of the school year.

From the Chronicle-Tribune

The corporation reported an increase of 15 students since enrollment numbers were last tallied on Sept. 14, 2012, bringing total enrollment to 3,873 students.

“I’m pleasantly surprised,” Business Manager Jim McWhirt said during Wednesday’s school board meeting.

Previously the Indiana Department of Education counted students annually in September, and the implications of the second count remain unclear. In a memorandum to the school board, McWhirt said the financial effect of the second enrollment count remains uncertain, but any changes would be positive.

Over the past several years, MCS has lost between about 3.5 and 9 percent of its students on an annual basis. Last fall, the district dropped only 2.44 percent of its current enrollment, its best figure since fall 2005.

In October, Edwards predicted that MCS will buck a generations-long trend of declining enrollment in the next five years.

“Marion Community Schools enrollment will be on the uptick, which it hasn’t been for 47 years,” he said in the fall. “We may lose some students in the next couple years, but I believe certainly that we’re going to put programs in place, and it’s my goal and the board’s to make this a very attractive district (to parents).”

— More from MCS on this story: To read the minutes of this School Board meeting, click here. —
Posted: by Patricia Gibson, Communications Director
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From the Chronicle-Tribune

Marion Community Schools is widening its search for candidates to replace retiring Superintendent Steve Edwards after talks with current Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Ken Folks fell through.

The school system issued a release Wednesday indicating that they are “actively seeking additional candidates” for the position.

Marion Community Schools Director of Communications Patricia Gibson confirmed that there had been talks between Folks and the board, but they could not agree on terms.

— More from MCS on this story: To read the MCS news release referenced above, click here. —
Posted: by Patricia Gibson, Communications Director
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From the Chronicle-Tribune

Though some schools nationally have cut recess in an attempt to focus more on academics, elementary schools in this area still believe in the importance of recess and build it into the daily schedule.

Late last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first ever policy position on recess, saying it “serves as a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom.” According to the organization, abut 73 percent of elementary schools provide regular recess.

“We’ve had no discussions whatsoever about cutting recess,” David Khalouf, principal of John. W. Kendall Elementary School for four years, said. “It’s a very beneficial thing for the kids. The kinetic movement really spurs minds, and it also provides them a nice break.”
Posted: by Patricia Gibson, Communications Director
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MARION (April 10, 2013) — With the retirement of Marion Community Schools’ current superintendent approaching, the Board of School Trustees is widening its search for the school corporation’s next leader and is actively seeking additional candidates.
 
MCS, a school corporation in Marion, Ind., that instructs approximately 3,900 students in eight schools, is seeking a strong, energetic leader to succeed Superintendent Steve Edwards, who will be retiring June 30, 2013.
 
Marion Community Schools boasts a skyrocketing high school graduation rate that in 2011-12 surpassed the overall state rate; the most college prep classes of any school system in the county; dozens of dual-credit and advanced credit classes; along with robust high ability and special needs programming at all grade levels. MCS is proud to be a vital part of the city of Marion, a community of about 30,000 located in Grant County, about midway between the state’s two largest cities, Indianapolis (the capital) and Fort Wayne.
 
The successful candidate for MCS superintendent of schools will possess:
 
  • Commitment to student achievement as his/her primary focus
  • Knowledge of best practice instructional strategies and methodologies
  • Superior oral and written communication skills
  • Integrity and high moral and ethical standards
  • Willingness to accept the challenge of accountability
  • Ability to work well with people of diverse cultural/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Strong desire to become actively involved in the community
 
All qualified, interested candidates should submit completed applications via mail by May 20, 2013, to:
 
Mrs. Katie Morgan
President, Board of School Trustees
Marion Community Schools
1240 S. Adams St.
Marion, IN 46953
 
For more information, including required application materials, click here.
 
Posted: by Patricia Gibson, Communications Director
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The Marion Community Schools Head Start preschool program will be taking applications for the 2013-14 school year for children who are 3 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2013. The Head Start program is designed to serve low-income families, and children with disabilities.

Head Start is a federally funded three-hour preschool program; therefore, is it offered at no cost to families. Currently, there are five classes at the Tucker Career and Technology Center and one class at Frances Slocum Elementary School. The Head Start program serves all of Grant County.

Applications will be taken at the following dates and times at the Tucker Career and Technology Center, Ind. 18 and Pennsylvania Street, Room 107 (downstairs):
  • April 12, 15 and 16: 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
  • April 17: 8 to 11 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call the Head Start office, 651-2080.
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