BizVoice -- March / April 2018

54 BizVoice/Indiana Chamber – March/April 2018 One of the major questions any employer or family has when considering a new location: What is the quality of the local school system? For Muncie Community Schools (MCS), local economics and a delayed recognition of changing demographics precludes a positive response to that question today – at least when it comes to school system finances and perception. But local education partner Ball State University (BSU) – under new leadership and preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary – may turn out to be an integral part of changing that reality. And no one in Muncie is denying the relationship between school system quality and economic development. Seeking a Muncie Schools Solution By Tom Schuman FEATURE STORY COMMUNITY Solutions to the financial woes of Muncie Community Schools must include a strong partnership between the business community (top left: a look at downtown’s Walnut Street; Intersection advertising agency photo ) and Ball State University (top right). District enrollment is projected at less than 5,000 for the 2018-2019 school year.