The preliminary enrollment figures are in, and Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools gained about 300 additional students compared to last year.  School systems in Indiana must submit an official enrollment number as of September 16th, so the numbers are tentative until that date.

Numbers shared by Superintendent Allen Bourff show an enrollment figure of 21,309, compared to the enrollment reported to the state last year of 21,006.  For a more detailed breakdown of the enrollment statistics, use this link.

In other news items from the Monday night school board session:

–Assistant Superintendent Jan Combs presented several school calendar options for the upcoming 2017-2018 year.  One option kept the schedule largely as it is now.  Other options called for changes such as lengthening fall break to one week and starting school a few days earlier, doing away with half days of school to allow for teacher professional development in smaller time increments during the school year and other possible changes.  You can view more details on the proposals at this link.  Board members discussed possible changes, but no consensus emerged on what, if any, changes should be made to next school year’s calendar.

–The board approved a $4 rental fee hike for the Creating Positive Relationships.  Dr. Bourff says the increase covers the added cost to buy the materials.

–The board honored the national champion Mock Trial team from HSE High School.  Team members include:

Plaintiff Attorneys: Nathan Brown, Isaac Irvin, and Rebecca Liu

·        Plaintiff: Natalie Teyema

·        Plaintiff Witnesses: Emma Leonard and Kaitlyn Ross

·        Defense Attorneys: Kaleb Oliver, Kaitlyn Ross, and Joey Sun

·        Defendant: Nathan Brown

·        Defense Witnesses: Isaac Irvin and Emma Leonard

The team coach is Janet Chandler.

–The top ten readers for the local library summer reading program were recognized by the board.  They included:

Logan Lara, HSE Junior High;

Nick Molter, New Britton Elementary;

Tucker Lara, HSE Junior High;

Maya Fotedar, Fishers Junior High;

Riley Kavanaugh, Sand Creek Elementary;

Jace Lee, Hoosier Road;

Amber Liwanag, Fall Creek Elementary;

Gwyneth Lee, Hoosier Road;

Audrey Orbin, Thorpe Creek Elementary