Compiled by James Feichtner
A meeting of the Hamilton Southeastern school board was held on Oct 12 at 7 p.m. in the HSE Administration Office. All board members were in attendance.
What happened: HSE Schools Chief Financial Officer spoke to the board regarding the 2016 school budget. The total budget for the 2016 year is advertised at approximately $212 million. A public hearing was held regarding the budget. Only one individual spoke during the hearing. Comments made regarded the amount of students per classrooms, particularly at the elementary level.
Why it matters: The board must make a decision for the budget by Nov. 1. The board will continue the budget discussion at the next board meeting scheduled for Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.
What happened: This meeting’s Snapshot of Success went to the 2015 Pasta Bowl food drive incorporating all HSE Schools. The winners of the Pasta Bowl trophies went to Riverside Intermediate, New Britton Elementary and Fishers High school for raising the most pasta at each of their respective grade levels.
Why it matters: For the 2015 year approximately 13,000lbs of pasta was raised and donated to local food banks. This is the fourth year for the Pasta Bowl at HSE.
What happened: The City of Fishers has reached out to collaborate with HSE Schools in providing a natural barrier from the proposed Interstate 69 and 106th Street overlay construction and Lantern Road Elementary School.
Why it matters: Several dozen evergreen trees would be planted to help offset the view of traffic from students at Lantern Road Elementary. The city has offered to pay for the installation of the trees which could cost up to $40,000.
What happened: Board members discussed the implementation of a new high school appeals process for eighth grade students going into high school. Students pre-designated to either Hamilton Southeastern High School or Fishers High School will have the ability to appeal their pre-designated school and opt for the other. Students do not need to give reason for their appeal.
Why it matters: Currently students are assigned a high school based on the district they fall in. Over the last three years the rebalancing techniques currently used have resulted in an imbalance of students. In a replacement of the re-balancing efforts to keep the schools’ student population within a five percent range of the other, students can appeal their pre-assigned school outside their residing district. Appeals will be granted on a case-by-case basis and transportation of the student must be provided by parents. The first year of the appeals process will gauge whether the program is continued in coming years.
