By Andy Klotz—
District’s summer programs now open for registration
Muncie, Ind. – The Muncie Community Schools Board of Trustees has approved $1,000 stipends for all MCS employees actively working (not on full-time leave) during the current school year. The stipends are to reward employees for the additional work and effort required to keep schools open and students safe over the past year.
The one-time payments will be distributed on the first pay period following the end of the 2020-21 school year. They are funded by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund II (ESSER II), a second stimulus funding stream authorized as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Appropriations Act (CRRSA) last December.
“We really appreciate the board’s support of this resolution,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said. “Our people have been working extremely hard with additional responsibilities under very difficult circumstances all year, and this is one way we can recognize them for their dedication and make sure they know how much they’re valued.”
School districts are under no obligation to use their ESSER funds on employee stipends, but the MCS board has made a priority of rewarding district employees since Ball State partnered with MCS in 2018. There have been two significant employee raises and one previous stipend since then.
“This was an easy decision for the board,” MCS Board President James Williams said. “All our teachers, administrators and support staff have been diligently navigating constant change and stresses this year due to the pandemic, and we simply want to say ‘thank you.’ This is one way to do that.”
MCS employees who have been on full-time leave for part of the school year will receive a pro-rated stipend based on time spent actively working. Part-time employees and people hired during the second semester will receive $500.
Summer School Programs
May 27 marks the last day for students this school year, but programs and activities like summer school for high school students, MCHS Marching Band and Camp Adventure STEM & Literacy Summer Camp will begin as early as the following week.
“Parents looking to keep their kids involved and learning this summer shouldn’t have any problems finding a program either through MCS or one of our community partners,” MCS Associate Superintendent Chuck Reynolds said. “People interested in these opportunities should get signed up soon because space can be limited and programs are starting to fill up.”
For more information about MCS summer activities, visit http://www.muncie.k12.in.us/students__parents/summer_camps___programs or call 765-747-5211.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society. Find out more about MCS or Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at muncieschools.org.
