Community Conversations

Michigan City Area Schools is committed to building a strong and collaborative future for our students and our community. As part of this commitment, we have launched MCAS Community Conversations. This series of open discussions brings families, staff, students, and community members together to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the direction of our district.

Please click through the other tabs on this webpage to learn more about our previous Community Conversations and stay up to date on ongoing discussions.

Facilities Study Master Plan

MCAS
Strategic Plan

MCAS NEWS

Community Meetings

Discussion #5

Discussion #5
Slide Deck

K-8 Activity Rubric

A special groundbreaking ceremony for our new Community Event Center at Michigan City High School will take place on Thursday, May 14, at 5:00 PM CST in the East parking lot near the Barbara Jones Slater Track and Field at Michigan City High School, located at 8466 W. Pahs Rd.

This project reflects the vision and feedback shared during previous Community Conversations and marks an important step forward as construction begins. It also represents a significant investment in our students and community and is aligned with our district’s Strategic Plan. The new facility will feature a lighted track and turf soccer field, along with a press box, permanent bleachers, restrooms, and a concession stand. This will be a space that serves generations of students, families, and community members for years to come.

Following the ceremony, we encourage you to stay for our Community Conversation, which will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the high school cafeteria. During the meeting, district leaders, along with representatives from Fanning Howey and Skillman Corporation, will share updates and gather feedback.

Michigan City Area Schools invites families, staff, and community members to attend our next Community Conversation in May. District leaders, along with representatives from Fanning Howey and Skillman Corporation, will present to share updates and gather feedback on long-term planning efforts.

Community Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Michigan City High School Cafeteria (8466 W. Pahs Rd.)

Prior to the Community Conversation, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Community Event Center will take place at 5:00 PM near the East parking lot. This project, previously discussed during Community Conversations, is now moving forward as construction begins. Additional details are shared below.

Please note that these conversations are part of our district’s ongoing efforts to plan for the future, and community input remains an important part of the process.

Exercise Rubric

Discussion #4

This informational meeting took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Pine Elementary School. During the meeting, we discussed the projected enrollment numbers and building alignment for K-4.

If you are unable to attend the community conversation in person, you can watch a recording below. A slide deck and activity resources are listed on the right if you would like to follow along with the presentation.

Note: These meetings are intended to introduce early concepts and help families and community members better understand the district’s long-term planning process. No decisions have been made at this time. Your feedback is important to us, and we hope you will join us at the next meeting to learn more, ask questions, and share your perspective.

Discussion #3

Thank you to everyone who attended the informational meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Lake Hills Elementary School.

During the meeting, district leaders and a representative from Fanning Howey and Skillman Corporation shared updates on the proposed Michigan City Event Center, discussed preliminary middle school concepts, and reviewed current elementary enrollment numbers and early planning considerations. This meeting was intended to share early concepts and help families and community members better understand the district’s long-term planning process.

DISCUSSION 3: Community Feedback

DISCUSSION 3:
Slide Deck

MCAS
Boundary Map

Elementary
Priority List (Dots)

Discussion #2

This session, held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, brought together Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) leaders, community members, and consultants from Fanning Howey and Skillman to discuss the future of K-8 programming in our district. Topics included:

An update on plans for the Michigan City High School Community Event Center.
Exploring different grade configuration models (5–8, 6–8) and weighing their pros and cons.

The focus of this second event in a continuing series is to gather feedback, share ideas, and begin envisioning how we can best prepare MCAS students with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need for future success.

DISCUSSION 2: Community Feedback

DISCUSSION 2:
Slide Deck

Demographic Study

Discussion #1

This session, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, brought together Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) leaders, community members, and consultants from Fanning Howey and Skillman to discuss the future of K-8 programming in our district. Topics included:

An update on plans for the Community Center, including renovations and a new addition at the high school.

Exploring different grade configuration models (5–8, 6–8, and 7–8) and weighing their pros and cons.

How MCAS can collaborate with the city to seize opportunities that will strengthen education for all students.

The focus of this first event in a continuing series was to gather feedback, share ideas, and begin envisioning how we can best prepare MCAS students with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need for future success.

DISCUSSION 1: Community Feedback

Discussion 1:
Slide Deck

July 2026 Update

Following more than two years of planning, facility assessments, community meetings, and careful evaluation, the Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the district's long-term facilities plan during its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The Board's action authorizes the district to move forward with the design and purchasing phases of the recommended projects, marking the next step in a long-term planning process designed to modernize learning environments, improve aging facilities, and position Michigan City Area Schools to meet the needs of students for decades to come.

The bond authorization approved at the June Board meeting provides the financing needed to complete these projects over multiple years as design and construction progress.

The recommended long-term facilities plan is the result of a comprehensive planning process that began in 2024 with district condition assessments and needs prioritization. Working in partnership with Fanning Howey, the district evaluated the condition of every school facility, developed multiple planning scenarios, gathered community feedback, and carefully examined how school facilities can best support teaching and learning for years to come.

CLICK HERE to read the full update

Long-Term Facilities Plan Recommendation SLIDE DECK

Questions & Answers

Why is MCAS exploring changes to the middle school grade configuration?

MCAS is beginning a long-range facilities planning process. Before making major investments in our middle school buildings, we are evaluating whether the current 7-8 structure best supports student learning, academic pathways, future enrollment, and facility needs. This conversation ensures we are planning responsibly and proactively for the next generation of learners.

Stronger academic alignment across grades
Expanded elective and extracurricular opportunities (arts, STEM, world languages, etc.
Dedicated spaces designed for adolescent learners
Improved continuity for students and staff

*Specific discussions around benefits and challenges will be shaped by community feedback and facility assessment

In This Section

Community Conversations

Community Meetings

Discussion #5

Discussion #4

Discussion #3

Discussion #2

Discussion #1

July 2026 Update

Questions & Answers

Why is MCAS exploring changes to the middle school grade configuration?

What configuration is being considered?

Has a final decision been made?

When would changes take effect?

What are the potential benefits of a 5-8 or 6-8 model?

What concerns are being considered?

Why is Fanning Howey involved?

How can the community participate in this process and share feedback?

Where can I find updates?

How is MCAS Funded?