The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board reviewed a lengthy survey of e-learning experiences, collecting responses from 4,800 parents and 1,500 students (students include grades 7-12 only).  The overall data show parents and students happy overall, particularly with the policy of using e-learning days to prevent adding school days at the end of the year, reducing the summer vacation.  Comments submitted as part of the survey indicate that three consecutive e-learning days may be too many.  You can review the survey results at this link.  

In other items from the Wednesday night’s board meeting:

–Schools Superintendent Allen Bourff briefed the board on a proposal to make changes in  Social and Emotional Learning, and combining Digital Citizenship with that curriculum.   Dr. Bourff cited the influence some online sources have over students as a major reason to consider this change.

— Kim Day has agreed to accept the offer of the principal position at Fall Creek Intermediate. (Note:  I had incorrectly reported that Brian Behrman would become principal at Riverside Intermediate.  Mr. Behrman and current RIS principal Dana Kaminski will remain in their current jobs.  LarryInFishers apologizes for the error)

–The board spent a period of time on building projects, first authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund several physical projects. Plans were allowed to move forward after board action, including renovations at Fishers Junior High, renovation work at both high school auditoriums and LED lighting upgrades for several school buildings.  The board also approved work on the Fishers Junior High School parking lot

–Students and administrators made an impassioned plea to the board for help in funding playground upgrades at Riverside Intermediate School.  This was for information only.  The board will consider acting on the request at a future board session.

–Safety issues have resulted in a major change in polling places for the upcoming May 7th primary election.  No schools will be utilized as polling places. “I want to make it clear that the schools remain open to assist our community if polling places are needed,” Dr. Bourff told the board.  “But for security and safety issues, the (Hamilton County) superintendents came together, at the invitation of our County Clerk, Kathy Richardson, some weeks ago and discussed the safety of polling places within the schools.”   It is possible county election officials may need to use some schools as polling locations in the November general election.

–Board members will be receiving media training from an outside firm, Sease-Gerig, at a future work session.