The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board did not receive a recommendation from school administrators to move toward a 100% in-person classroom experience for students in grades 5-12 at the Wednesday night board meeting, so those grade levels will remain at 50% in classroom and 50% virtual.

“I can’t say I won’t be bringing it to you soon, but it won’t be tonight,” Superintendent Allen Bourff told board members Wednesday concerning a possible plan to bring grades 5-12 back to in-person classes full-time.  Bourff said the Fishers Health Department has recently lowered the COVID-19 community risk rating to level 2, but it does call for the hybrid system now underway in grades 5-12.  Bourff also cited the challenges of cohorting in those grade levels.

Dr. Bourff told the board there may be an extension of the virtual learning option into next semester if no COVID vaccine is available.

The governor has announced that Indiana will enter Stage 5 in a few days, which allows gatherings of more than 250 people.  That may impact athletic participation and the number of fans allowed at events.

Administrators told the board out of 289 substitute teachers, 56 (or 19%) have been willing to substitute teach so far this school year.  The number of permanent substitutes is now down to 31.

Janet Chandler, long-time president of the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association, cited a survey just conducted with elementary teachers that shows 99% are feeling stressed with everything they are dealing with now, and of those feeling stressed, 65% say they are highly stressed.

Ms. Chandler became emotional while speaking before the board.

“We have to do something differently than what we are doing now,” said Chandler.  “We are not adequately serving students.”