School board talks playgrounds, future buildings, salaries

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The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees met Dec. 11. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 in the board room at the central office, 13485 Cumberland Rd. For more or to see an agenda, visit hseschools.org/about/board.

What happened: The board approved two requests for matching grant playground projects.

What it means: Cumberland Road and Hoosier Road elementary schools soon will replace outdated equipment with new equipment, including explorer domes, swingsets and more. Both requests were approved 7-0.

 

What happened: The board approved an amendment to the 2019-20 calendar.

What it means: The change was made as a result of the Nov. 19 closing for the Red for Ed teacher protest.

“Our calendar had Jan. 6 as a teacher work day and no students in attendance,” Supt. Allen Bourff said. “Due to the Nov. 19 day where we had school closed, I would recommend that we make up that student day on Jan. 6, so that would no longer be a teacher work day.”

The board approved the amendment 7-0.

 

What happened: The board approved a change to administrative and noncertified salaries.

What it means: CFO Cecile Nunn presented a proposal to the board recommending a 2 percent pay raise for administration and support staff.

“There are a few exceptions to those who are both administrator and support staff with expanded hours or responsibilities – realigning their pay to be similar to those to be (in line) with others who have similar responsibility or making an adjustment to make their pay more competitive with other schools or the public sector,” she said.

The board approved the change 7-0.

 

What happened: The board approved an additional appropriation and a final bond resolution for the 2020 general obligation bond.

What it means: The additional appropriation will allow the district to spend money for renovations and improvements to Fall Creek Junior High School, Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School, not to exceed,  $14 million.

Former CFO Mike Reuter said the bulk of the money will be used at Fall Creek and that improvements at the two high schools are largely for parking lot improvements. In addition, the appropriation also will cover new food service equipment and technology upgrades district-wide.

David Day, an attorney with Church Church Hittle and Antrim and legal counsel for the district, said the final bond resolution authorizes the final sale of the bonds, which will happen in April 2020.

The board approved both items 7-0.

 

What happened: The board approved a preliminary determination and project resolution for a proposed replacement elementary school in Wayne Township.

What it means: Initially proposed as preparations to potentially replace two of the district’s elementary schools (Fishers Elementary in Delaware Township and Durbin Elementary in Wayne Township), the board unanimously voted to put the Delaware Township project on hold and prioritize the Wayne Township project.

 

What happened: Board President Michelle Fullhart read a proclamation recognizing Mike Reuter.

What it means: CFO Mike Reuter earlier this year announced his retirement from HSE.

“I have a proclamation, whereas, the board recognizes Mike Reuter’s 25 exemplary years of service to our school district, beginning as a consultant in 1994 and ending as our chief financial officer,” Fullhart said. “The board recognizes Mike’s guiding hand and unrivaled expertise as he has helped oversee Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ unparalleled growth from approximately 4,000 students, eight buildings and $36 million in 1994 to nearly 22,000 students, 25 buildings and $250 million today.”

The board unanimously approved the proclamation and presented Reuter with gifts.


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