Every now and then my wife Jane & I spend some time along the Florida Gulf Coast, and we just returned from a few days visiting there.  Let’s just say a nearly 40-degree temperature drop takes some getting used-to.

But as I return, let’s review a few local news items happening while I was away.

First, congratulations to all at Noblesville Schools involved in reaching an agreement with the local teachers union, calling for an average 9.7% pay hike for teachers in the first year of the pact and 4.15% in the second year.  The school district says this is the biggest pay hike Noblesville teachers have seen in 40 years.

Second, I was a bit surprised that a local conservative Political Action Committee (PAC) is choosing to endorse a Democrat for an at-large Fishers City Council seat.  The Fiscal Conservatives of Hamilton County announced that the PAC is endorsing Jocelyn Vare.  Based on the group’s statement, the endorsement of Democrat Vare is more about getting different views on the council.  There is no way of knowing what, if any, impact this will have on the November 5th city election.  We won’t know until the votes are counted on election day.

Third, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Allen Bourff told the school board Wednesday night that administrators are studying a “3-tier” bus scheduling system.  He emphasized that no decision has been made to recommend such a system to the board, but it is being considered.  The 3 tiers would apparently group grade levels into 3 “tiers” that would determine when students would be picked up and transported home after school.

Fourth, The IHSAA held a drawing Sunday to determine the pairings for the first round of the football playoffs.  In the opening round of 6A state tournament games, the Fishers Tigers will travel to Westfield (Fishers just played at Westfield and won last Friday) and Carmel will travel to Hamilton Southeastern.

Finally, this is fall break week for Hamilton Southeastern Schools.  To staff, students & parents, enjoy the time off!