The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board voted 5-2 to give preliminary approval of changes in non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies recommended by attorneys advising the school system. Karen Harmer and Sylvia Shepler voted no, each expressing different concerns about some of the precise wording of the policy changes. The policy, including the changes, are available at this link. Their own by-laws require the board to vote on the changes once more at a future meeting for final approval.
The board was briefed on updates to the school corporation’s procedures allowing access to its facilities, particularly sports venues. Administrators incorporated many, but not all, of the changes suggested by the HSE S.P.O.R.T.S organization in a meeting with the school board last May. Board members appeared to agree with the rules, with one exception. The procedures say preference will be given to local groups or organizations having the majority of their membership (at least 90%) living in the Hamilton Southeastern Schools district. Board members suggested keeping the percentage where it is, at 75%, and not move to the higher 90% threshold. Administrators indicated they would make that change. You can read the recommended procedure changes at this link, and the fully revised document at this link.
Superintendent Allen Bourff told the board he is not ready to provide a calendar for what must be done in the remainder of 2015 for a school referendum. Bourff says he and his staff have not completed the work on calendar details at this point. The school board chose not to place a funding referendum on the ballot in the upcoming November election. The board is apparently eyeing the primary election date of May 3rd, 2016, to ask local voters for support in an operating fund referendum.
The board honored Fishers High School teacher Andrew Smith. Smith overcame many health issues, including a broken neck and a stroke, to qualify as a contestant in NBC’s military edition of American Ninja Warrior. He was one of 400 people chosen out of 50,000 entries to compete.
Board member Matt Burke recognized long-time HSE school bus driver Tom Birch, who retired on May 29th of this year after many decades of transporting local students. School administrators say this is the third time Mr. Birch has retired, having returned to the job after his previous two attempts at retirement.