2026 MCAS OPERATING REFERENDUM
Strong schools. Strong community.
Vote YES to protect the people, programs, transportation, safety, and student services that keep Michigan City moving forward.
WHY NOW
Indiana changed the funding landscape.
Senate Enrolled Act 1 changed how property taxes are assessed, reducing the local revenue base that supports Indiana schools.
The same tax rate can now generate less funding while transportation, utilities, insurance, staffing, and daily operating costs continue to rise. The referendum gives local voters an opportunity to protect the people, programs, and essential services students already rely on.
WHAT YOUR YES VOTE PROTECTS
People and programs.
Not construction.
Every referendum dollar stays local and supports Michigan City Area Schools students.
Student programs & services
Protect the learning opportunities, electives, and services students count on every day.
Transportation
Keep reliable transportation available so students can get to school safely and consistently.
School safety
Support the people and daily systems that help make every MCAS school a safe place to learn.
Great educators & staff
Recruit and retain high-quality teachers, support professionals, and essential staff.
Student health & behavior
Maintain the counseling, behavioral, and health supports that help students thrive.
Essential operations
Sustain the custodial, utility, maintenance, and daily services that keep schools running.
MCAS DELIVERS RESULTS
Great students.
Real outcomes.
Michigan City students are graduating with college credit, technical credentials, scholarships, and a strong foundation for what comes next.
CLASS OF 2026
Our Academics
340 graduates earned 3,542 college credits, saving families more than $760,000. The class included 70 Early College completers, 114 academic or technical honors diplomas, and 72 21st Century Scholars representing approximately $8.9 million in scholarships.
COLLEGE, CAREER & TECHNICAL PATHWAYS
Our Programs
MCAS offers 11 innovative LaPorte County CTE programs. In 2026, 52 MCHS graduates earned 126 technical certifications, and 18 graduates earned Work Ethic certifications.
YOUR INVESTMENT
See what the referendum means for your property.
Because tax caps and individual property circumstances vary, use the official calculator for a personalized estimate.
Open the investment calculatorMAXIMUM BALLOT RATE$0.2998
per $100 of assessed value
Actual impact varies by property.COME LEARN MORE
Bring your questions.
Hear directly from MCAS, review the facts, and learn what the referendum means for students and taxpayers.
GET THE FACTS
Frequently asked questions.
What is an operating referendum?+
It is a voter-approved local funding source for staff, programs, services, transportation, safety, and daily school operations.
How long would it last?+
The referendum would remain in effect for eight years, providing funding through 2034. It would then expire unless voters approve another referendum.
Can these dollars be used for construction?+
No. MCAS states that operating referendum dollars cannot be used for buildings, athletic facilities, construction, technology or equipment, or administrative salaries. The funds support instruction, people, programs, and operations.
How much would it cost?+
The ballot authorizes a maximum rate of approximately $0.2998 per $100 of assessed value. MCAS estimates the impact on a home with a median assessed value of $200,000 at about $260 per year, or about $22 per month. Actual impact varies by property.
What has MCAS done before asking voters?+
MCAS reports reducing approximately $2 million in expenditures, eliminating or leaving positions vacant, pursuing grants and partnerships, reviewing transportation efficiencies, and continuing to evaluate building utilization.
Who can vote?+
Anyone registered to vote who lives within the Michigan City Area Schools district boundary may vote on the referendum.
MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE
Be ready for November 3.
MCAS voters live in both LaPorte and Porter counties. Check your registration, register to vote, and confirm the vote center options available in your county.
THE FUTURE IS ON THE BALLOT
Vote YES on November 3.
This campaign moves neighbor to neighbor, family to family, and conversation to conversation. Help us share the facts and stand up for Michigan City students.