School systems surrounding the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) have reduced hours for their Instructional Assistants (IAs) below 30 hours a week and have not offered them benefits, including health insurance coverage.  HSE has tried to postpone decisions on how to handle pay and benefits for their IAs.  However, HSE will need to make a decision soon.

Several proposals were discussed at the February 16th school board work session.  One would reduce daily hours for the IAs to 6.5 hours per day, but increase hours based on how many IAs choose a minimum health insurance plan.

In recent years, HSE grandfathered many long-time IAs with their health benefit package and not offered benefits to the more recently hired.  The Affordable Care Act is forcing a decision soon by the school corporation on how to handle the new health care law and the IAs.

A large percentage of the IAs in Hamilton Southeastern Schools work in the Special Education Program.

Several school board members voiced their support for the IAs and are willing to find the money to support that program.

Superintendent Allen Bourff said the administration will take all the school board member comments into consideration as a recommendation for the board is formulated on what to do with the Instructional Assistants.

Assistant Superintendent Jan Combs came to HSE from Lawrence Township, and said recruiting IAs in Lawrence became a serious challenge when hours were cut below 30 hours per week with no benefits.