On election day, November 8th, Madison elected two school board members: one incumbent and one challenger. MCS board members have many policies to consider from dual-enrollment classes to new and improved school buildings. Renovations to the high school started over the summer and progress is being made each day. Madison has also made changes in the curriculum such MCHS’ partnership with Ivy Tech is still continuing to provide students a great opportunity to earn college credit while still attending high school and a new grading scale for the high school.

Recently re-elected and entering into her second four-year term, school board member Joyce Imel is very pleased and excited about the path MCS is taking.

Imel said, “As I enter my second four-year term, it is my intent to do everything possible to bring our school facilities to the best they can be. Our current work at the high school will greatly improve the safety of our main entrance, add much needed handicapped accessible restrooms and provide a Learning Commons that will provide more flexibility for student collaboration.”

While pleased with current renovations, Imel expressed some concern with inner workings of the schools and policies.

“It (the renovation) is a good start, but there is so much that needs to be done. One of our major problems is that we need to upgrade the plumbing which functions very poorly, plus, the heating and air conditioning needs to be replaced. Both are very expensive projects and we have limited resources.  I have often stated that we must address the facility needs at the high school as every student goes through that building. We have some major problems at E.O. Muncie Elementary as well but there are some other options we could utilize if needed to provide a safe and healthy environment for our elementary students.”

Retired Madison Schools teacher Jeanne Dugle was recently elected to her first term as a school board member and is pleased with the new renovation progress as well.

“I look forward to seeing the completion of the new renovations on the high school building. I’ve been through several renovations and the end result is always worth the time and sacrifice,”  Dugle said. “As a new member on the school board, I hope to bring my knowledge as an experienced teacher, my understanding of the needs of the students, and offer my voice as a community member that listens to our students, parents and the teachers that work with them. I believe we could do a better job listening and communicating with the students, parents and general public.  Communication needs to be a two-way street. Parents and community members need to feel they have a voice. There needs to be more transparency and we need to trust that the decisions being made are in the best interest of the students.”

MCS has implemented many fledgling programs the last few years. Madison’s partnership with Ivy Tech is attracting more students each year. There has also been a more recent change with the grading as well. Teachers can no longer give a student a 0 for a grade. All students must at least receive a 50%.

“I am excited and pleased with the progress we have made in the curriculum we are offering at MCHS.  It is well rounded which hopefully gives every student options to pursue what interests them. There are several pathways a student may choose to fit the career they hope to enter. The Ivy Tech partnership is an awesome opportunity for students to acquire college credit while still in high school. This is such a financial boost for those students who desire to attend college. Cub Manufacturing opens up opportunities for hands-on experiences that could result in creative exploration for innovative products. The Fine Arts Academy has grown. We have an excellent agriculture program and students traveling to the Career Center have a wide range of classes to consider from diesel mechanics to culinary arts. I often say, as good as we are, we can always be better so I will never stop eagerly looking for ways to strengthen the curriculum.  We have done well with integrating technology into our classrooms but we must provide the best technology training possible to be sure Madison students are totally prepared for what lies ahead for them,” stated Imel.

Dugle, who taught both at junior high and the high school, is hoping to bring positive changes toward the school system and also seemed very pleased with the guidance the school system is under as well.

Dugle said, “I think under the leadership of Principal Kevin Yancey and the amazing guidance department, we have always had a good school that just continues to become better. Dr. Katie Jenner as Senior Director of Learning has made it possible for students to have more options and graduate with many opportunities. The new curriculum and numerous course offerings are exciting for the students, their parents, and our community.”