Demographic Portrait

Traditionally a homogeneous group of middle class students, the population at MCS has
never been more diverse. According to 1998 study, roughly 1% of the school’s graduates were
African American (13 of 1,300) and other ethnicities fell under this mark. In the fall of 2009,
eight percent of the student body was African American, four percent were multi-racial and two
percent were other ethnicities. Students continue to arrive at MCS from a wide variety of
geographic locations, however, those numbers are declining and the vast majority of students
live in Mansfield City or one of the nearby suburbs such as Lexington, Bellville, or Ontario.
MCS does have students from Willard, Shelby, Mt. Vernon, Mt. Gilead, Ashland, and
Loudonville – all over 30 minute drives from the school. In 2010, MCS graduated its first
student from the on-line program - a resident of South Carolina.

A recent study of applications revealed that students and their families attend 40 different
churches in the area. Reflective of the school’s interdenominational position, the churches
include Baptist, Methodist, Alliance, Presbyterian, Friends, Grace Brethren, Church of God, and
Community congregations to name several. The largest percentage of the students attend Berean
Baptist Church (13%) in Mansfield and churches with 1-3 MCS students make up 12% of the
group. Eleven percent attends Crossroads Community Church in Mansfield and the numbers
drop significantly from that point.

MCS lies in Richland County, long known for its manufacturing businesses. Years ago,
high school graduates held good jobs at companies such as General Motors, Tappan, Ohio Brass,
Westinghouse, Mansfield Tire, and AK Steel. These companies are gone and like many
communities, replaced by small business franchises and service industries. According to a recent
“statistical snapshot” of Richland County, more residents were ages 45-54, had a household
income of between $50K-$75K, and had attained a high school diploma. Almost 92% of
Richland County is White by race, and 6% is African American.

MCS employs approximately 50 faculty members and 50 staff members each year
according to organizational needs. The demographic characteristics of employees are similar to
that of the students and their families. Perhaps the most significant change of note is the higher
frequency of personnel turnover in the last 10 years. Many of the original faculty and staff
worked at MCS into the late 1990’s and some into the 21st century. Replacing these employees
with like-minded long-term persons has proved most challenging. New teachers are very
transient and willing to move as opportunities arise. Surprisingly however, MCS has
significantly increased the number of male teachers, especially in the middle and high schools.

The school board consists of parents that are committed to Christian education. The
board is self-nominating and uses a nominating committee to fill vacancies. Board policy calls
for 9-13 members, however, there are only seven currently as two members unexpectedly were
unable to complete their terms. Board officers, the Superintendent, and previous board members
also serve on the Mansfield Christian Education Foundation (MCEF) board. The MCEF
manages the school’s modest endowment using In His Steps, a charitable foundation in north
east Ohio.