MCAS October Update
OCTOBER 2026
We are a diverse community of families, students, and staff who take pride in our schools, contribute positively to society, and prepare students for lifelong success.
Understanding the Operating Referendum
Michigan City residents who vote on or before November 3, 2026, will be asked to consider a proposed Operating Referendum for Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS).
The proposed Operating Referendum would provide additional funding to support education programs, staffing, student services, transportation, school safety, and daily operations across our district.
We are proposing the referendum in response to financial challenges, including changes to Indiana’s property tax laws, property tax caps, declining student enrollment, and rising operational costs. To address these challenges, we have already implemented internal cost reductions that have saved more than $2 million. However, these factors continue to place financial pressure on our schools.
To better understand how Indiana school funding works and the factors impacting MCAS, we invite you to watch our Making Sense of School Finance video series at EducateMC.net/Finance.
If approved, the referendum would invest the funds necessary to meet this and future obligations. It would allow MCAS to collect up to $10 million annually for eight years, please note that the maximum additional property tax rate will be $0.2998 per $100 of assessed property value. The MCAS School Board would set the actual tax rate each year.
To estimate your potential investment to support our 4,763 students, please visit our online calculator at EducateMC.net/Calculator.
Instruction, Not Construction
All revenue generated by the proposed Operating Referendum would remain within Michigan City Area Schools to support our student programs, services, and daily operations.
If approved, approximately 65% of the annual referendum revenue, or up to $6.5 million, would support academic programs, including maintaining appropriate class sizes, career and technical education, and recruiting and retaining high-quality educators.
Another 20%, or up to $2 million annually, would support educationally related programs, including student transportation services and maintaining school bus routes.
The remaining 15%, or up to $1.5 million annually, would support safety and student services, including school resource officers, social workers, success coaches, and behavioral support specialists.
Without additional referendum revenue, we anticipate making difficult decisions about staffing, student programs, and school operations. Potential changes could include reducing elementary athletics, extracurricular activities, and transportation services, along with possible school closures similar to those in 2013.
Understanding Your Potential Investment
The ballot question includes an estimated property tax increase of $260 per year, or approximately $22 per month, for a median residence with an assessed value of $200,000 at the maximum referendum rate.
However, this is not accurate. This figure does not account for projected property tax relief under Indiana's Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1). Factoring in this relief, our financial projections estimate a net impact of approximately $48 over the eight-year referendum period, averaging $0.50 per month, for a median homeowner with a $200,000 homestead assessed value.
These estimates are based on different calculations. The actual impact will vary depending on a property’s assessed value, applicable deductions and credits, and future tax rates.
Renters do not pay property taxes directly. Property taxes are paid by the property owners.
To estimate the potential investment on your property, visit our online calculator at EducateMC.net/Calculator.
Making Sense of School Finance
School finance can be complicated. That's why we're breaking it down in our Making Sense of School Finance video series.
Throughout the nine-episode series, MCAS Communication Intern Wynni sits down with our Chief Financial Officer, Andy Sperling, to explain how school funding works, where district dollars go, and the financial challenges facing MCAS.
From staffing and transportation to utilities, technology, building maintenance, and student safety, the series explores the everyday costs of operating our schools. It also explains how student enrollment, changes in school funding, and property tax caps affect school finances, along with information about the proposed Operating Referendum.
Breaking Down the Ballot Question
In episode 8, Wynni and Andy take a closer look at the proposed Operating Referendum ballot question, breaking down what it means and helping our community better understand what voters will be asked to consider on or before November 3.
What Happens Next?
In the 9th episode, Wynni sits down with Superintendent Dr. Wendel McCollum to answer one final question: What Happens Next?
All 9 episodes are now available to watch! We encourage our families, staff, and community members to explore the full series to better understand school finance and the factors shaping the future of MCAS.
Voting Information
Early voting began October 6, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
You can check for your voter registration status, find voting locations, and review voting options at IndianaVoters.in.gov.
We encourage you to review the available information, ask questions, and learn more about the proposed Operating Referendum before casting your ballot.
Additional information and frequently asked questions are available at EducateMC.net/MCAS.
Resources
At Michigan City Area Schools, we are more than a district… we are One City. One Pack. Watch the video above to learn more!