The Hamilton Southeastern School board heard from Superintendent Allen Bourff Wednesday on proposals to “flip” school start times, but Bourff told the board it is not likely such a proposal would be implemented during the 2020-2021 school year.

Board members reviewed results of an online survey that garnered 1,840 comments.  58% of those responding clearly were opposed to flipping start times so high school and secondary school students would report for classes later and elementary students would start the school day earlier.  42% clearly favored the proposed change.  Bourff told the board there were some responses that made general comments but did not clearly state a preference for either choice.  For more details on the survey results, use this link 

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association will be consulted on the start time flip issue, and Bourff expects a recommendation to be ready for the board in 2-4 weeks.

An item that could impact start times next school year is a proposal to implement a 3-tier bus scheduling system.  Superintendent Bourff and Director of Transportation Zach McKinney outlined several 3-tier options for the board’s consideration.  The board took no action.  To review the details of the options presented for the new bus scheduling system, use this link.

In other items from the January 15th school board meeting:

–The board elected officers for 2020.  Michelle Fullhart remains board president, Janet Pritchett will serve as vice president and Julie Chambers is the board secretary.  The vote was unanimous.

–Board members unanimously approved a recommendation for the construction method of the new elementary school to be built in Wayne Township, replacing the current Durbin Elementary School.  Bourff says the new space is needed because enrollment at the new Southeastern Elementary is continuing to rise, meaning there will be portable classrooms required there until the new elementary in Wayne Township is ready, which could be as early as 2022.  Southeastern Elementary is now the district’s largest elementary school, measured by enrollment.

–A bundle of changes to school policies received unanimous approval with little comment.

–Central Office Administrator Matt Kegley is negotiating with Hub & Spoke, along with the City of Fishers, on the building trades training program that could involve HSE students.  Hub & Spoke is expected to have their new facility ready in the coming months.  Board members were told to expect an update on that situation soon.

–Bourff reminded the board of the system to decide on school delayed start times and cancellation of school in bad weather conditions.  To get the most up-to-date information, follow Dr. Bourff’s Twitter account because that’s where the announcement is made first.  His Twitter account is – @AllenBourff

–The board honored the local FFA Chapter, receiving an update on their activities from Tom Yount and a number of his Agriculture students.

(EDITOR’S NOTE:  Earlier versions of this story said all officers will remain in 2020 and that was not correct.  The previous officers before 2020 were Michelle Fullhart, President….Sylvia Shepler, Vice President and Janet Pritchett, Secretary.  Thanks to my many sharp readers for pointing out the error, which has now been corrected)