Dr. Allen Bourff announced Monday, November 30, that he plans to retire as Hamilton Southeastern Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2021. I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Bourff as his retirement was announced. We talked about his retirement and many other issues in this podcast, recorded Monday, November 30.
It was about 5 years ago that Dr. Allen Bourff took over as superintendent of schools for the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) District. Coming to HSE from Richmond, Indiana, Dr. Bourff has led the local school staff and provided support for the school board since January of 2015. Now, Dr. Bourff has made an important personal decision. He will be retiring from his post.
The superintendent’s retirement has been rumored throughout the community for many months, but the word is finally official as of Monday. His retirement will be effective July 1st, 2021.
I have dealt with Dr. Bourff as a volunteer journalist in Fishers. I can say that he and his staff have been very responsive when I ask for information or request a podcast interview with a school staff member. I have tried not to wear out my welcome, but every time I have requested a podcast interview with Superintendent Bourff, he has made an appearance on the podcast.
A few years ago, the school board was unhappy with some of the stories I had written. The board members themselves never talked to me about it, but they had Dr. Bourff ask for that meeting with me. We had a very good and open discussion. I made it clear I was here to serve this community and the board has the same responsibility. I explained clearly why I felt the need to write the commentaries about board actions (and inactions) at that time. After that discussion, I am certain Dr. Bourff reported back to the board on the essence of our discussion and I never heard anything more about that issue. Dr. Bourff showed me in that instance what a top-notch professional he is.
Dr. Bourff has always been straight with me in our discussions and I have tried to do the same. When I informed School Board President Michelle Fullhart & Dr. Bourff of my intention to end the news blog last March, they were very kind and complimentary about my volunteer work.
As we all now know, the pandemic wrecked my plans to change to focus of the news blog. When I had plenty of time to think and reflect while recovering from by bout with COVID-19, I made the decision to continue blogging about local news as best one can, while being careful not to expose myself to COVID once again.
The HSE School District has grown to become the 4th-largest in the state. It has been led by Allen Bourff for the past five years. Superintendents must often make hard decisions so I would suspect not everyone in the community is sorry to see him go. Looking at the big picture, Allen Bourff, in my view, has been a good superintendent for local schools here in the Fishers area.
HSE schools will have a new superintendent in the coming months. She/he will have some big shoes to fill.
School Board President Michelle Fullhart says the board has hired a consulting firm to begin the search for Dr. Bourff’s successor. The new superintendent is expected to be named in the spring of 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us more than a medical crisis, and that is quite enough in itself. It has also spawned a serious economic crisis for local people.
Some of us are doing just fine, many working from home, continuing to earn a paycheck. But there are a number of people in our area hurting badly. We need to remember them on Giving Tuesday, December 1st.
For those of us fortunate enough to be weathering both the health and economic troubles, let’s not forget those among us not as fortunate.
Where does one go to find local nonprofit groups? There are many possibilities, but one I would recommend is the coalition of nonprofits serving Fishers.
They have their own Web site. All the member charities that are part of the coalition are listed on a section of the coalition’s Web page. You can find links to all the organizations here.
In this holiday season, consider giving to those in need.
by
Fred Swift
Hamilton County Reporter
(NOTE: This is a commentary written by Fred Swift of the Hamilton County Reporter. The views expressed are those of Fred Swift and do not necessarily reflect the views of LarryInFishers.com. This opinion piece is posted here as part of a partnership between the Reporter and LarryInFishers.com)
State legislators are beginning to reveal matters they intend to address in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
I have a few matters that deserve addressing if the legislators would care to listen. Of course, these suggestions make too much sense, so they will likely not be considered.
Number 1: Our lawmakers should put an end to “pay to play” which is a disgrace just short of bribery. It involves some companies or individuals giving money to an elected official’s campaign committee with the expectation that it may help get a lucrative contract for goods or services.
Why should the public care? Because it costs the taxpayers money. Most public officials do not participate in the pay to play game, but those who do take these contributions and give business to their contributors and not to non-players.
This potentially can cheat the public out of having ethical businesses do public work. But, worse yet is the fact that when a company plays this game, the costs of candidate contributions are likely passed on to the consumer – in other words, the public.
This practice could be stopped or at least be made unmistakably illegal by legislation if there was a will to do it.
Number 2: Gerrymandering directly affects Hamilton County. In the upcoming legislative session, maps of Congressional and state legislative districts will be redrawn, adjusting for shifts in population.
Hamilton County is very popular. It seems every Republican legislator wants a part of it. Democrats seem to want no part of it. The result is the county is incredibly split up among parts of eleven state legislative districts.
What’s wrong with that? Well, when for example, a Marion County district gets a group of Hamilton County precincts included within it, but the elected legislator is a Marion County resident, we could easily get the short stick.
If Indianapolis politicians should want a new state or regional tax but Hamilton County voters do not want it, how do you think that legislator is going to go? Probably not with his Hamilton County constituents.
Districts are supposed to be ‘compact in area’ and represent a ‘community of interest.’ Our local legislators can make that happen if they have the will to do so.
Number 3: Put an end to the closed political caucus when a public official is being elected. Political parties are permitted to hold closed caucuses to develop strategy, elect their officers, etc. That’s OK.
But, through another law, they are given the responsibility of filling a vacancy when a local elected official resigns or dies during his or her term of office. When a caucus is called for that purpose, the meeting should be open and publicized in advance. But, the local party chairman can either open or close such a caucus.
Under current law, it is possible for a vacancy to be filled without members of the public having an opportunity to run for the office or even know of the caucus.
State law should be, and easily could be, amended to remedy this injustice.
(The following correction was posted in the November 28 edition of the Hamilton County Reporter)
The “Noblesville city officials explain new bypass route” story published in Thursday’s edition of The Reporter incorrectly quoted the statement by city officials about the “B” alignment bypass plan, which would have cut through the Plum Prairie Historic District.
The incorrect quote stated that the plan was designated “B-1,” which in fact is the designation of the plan which cuts through a portion of the property occupied by IDI. The corrected portion of the story is below:
“As we have explained to IDI and others, it is our understanding following extensive consultations with State and Federal government representatives that
the B alignment, which cut through the middle of the Plum Prairie Historic District, would disqualify Noblesville from not just state and federal funding for all three phases of this project, but could also disqualify Noblesville from state and federal funding for all future projects, a risk we do not believe is appropriate or in the best interests of our residents.”
The Reporter regrets the error. Read the full version of the corrected story at this link
Our neighbor to the north, the city of Noblesville, is in the middle of a major controversy.
In one corner is the Mayor of Noblesville Chris Jensen. He is proposing what has been labeled the “B-1” plan to relieve the stress of traffic in the downtown area. Jensen says the original plan could not receive state and federal funds due to an historic neighborhood being impacted. So, the B-1 plan was unveiled.
In the other corner is Industrial Dielectrics, Inc. (IDI), a long-time Noblesville business that is not happy the B-1 plan cuts through their property. The firm is leaving open the possibility of exiting Noblesville if the B-1 plan is enacted.
There are accusations and assertions flying on this issue.
I have been watching all this through my newsgathering partner, The Hamilton County Reporter.
If you would like to learn more about what both sides are saying about the downtown Noblesville bypass, I have links below to three stories in the Wednesday edition of the Reporter where both sides presented their case.
First, here is what Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen says.
Second, here is the view from the Noblesville Bypass Coalition, led by IDI.
The day was Monday, November 2nd. I sat in a chair and thought about what would come next for me.
I thought back to the previous Monday when I noticed flu-like symptoms. When those symptoms persisted for several days, my primary care physician recommended a COVID test the following Thursday. I received the results the same day. I was positive for the novel coronavirus.
As the flu-like symptoms began to ebb, something else happened. All the energy in my body was drained. I felt like doing nothing. I just ate, slept and drank plenty of fluids (including a heavy intake of water).
I had read a great deal about COVID. I knew I was (and am) in a high-risk group, due to my age and the chronic health conditions that go with aging. Although I was better than most, I knew my condition could head south at any time.
My physician was wonderful throughout the ordeal. She reminded me that most COVID patients have mild symptoms and recover, including people in my condition and age group.
So I journeyed on with the best attitude one could muster under the circumstances. Slowly, but surely, my condition improved to the point where I now feel fully recovered. A lot is unknown about the long-term implications of a bout with COVID, but as of now I am good.
Being thankful entails a long list for me. I am so thankful my wife never tested positive and has had no symptoms, even after being with me in our home throughout all this. We followed CDC guidelines, using separate bedrooms and bathrooms and that worked for us.
I had been around my daughter and son-in-law just days before the symptoms, but both tested negative and have had no symptoms.
When you are not sure how your coronavirus infection will end, a lot goes through one’s mind. I did a lot of thinking while on that chair with no energy to do anything.
That experience and contemplation brings a new awareness. There is a better understanding of what is important and not important in life. It allows you to value the most important parts of everyday living.
That experience let me know just how important my family, friends and even acquaintances are in life. I did not disclose my illness until I was well enough, and had the energy, to write.
The response was heartening. The messages I received from so many people in and around the Fishers community meant so much to me.
That’s why every day for me is Thanksgiving Day. I wake up and know God has given me another day on this earth to do my best and be a positive influence on my world and the community in which I live.
Of all the messages I received after disclosing my positive test, this one from a lady that regularly reads my blog and listens to my podcasts stood out for me. She wanted to let me know that even though we have never met, she feels that she knows me from my writing and podcasts. That is a high compliment for anyone doing communications. I really do not always know how many people are absorbing all my content.
So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I celebrate in a special way pursuant to American traditions dating back to the days of the pilgrims. I am the oldest of 6 children. Normally, my sister and brother-in-law host a large family gathering Thanksgiving Day.
That is not happening this year. I will be enjoying Thanksgiving Day with a much smaller group.
I hope you all find a wonderful and safe way to make Thanksgiving Day special in this not-so-special year of 2020. I am thankful for everyone in my circle of relatives and friends, including those reading this blog.
Although 2020 has not been a special year for most of us, there has been much joy for my family. My first grandchild was born in August. I look forward to seeing him, his parents and seeing that special smile only he has.
That’s why every day is Thanksgiving Day for me. So, please, be kind and be safe.
If you want to know just where Fishers stands with the COVID-19 outbreak, check out the latest video from Monica Heltz of the city’s Health Department. During 5 days in the past week-and-a-half, the city has registered 100 positive COVID tests on each of those 5 days.
The Fishers Health Department is forecasting positive COVID cases tripling locally before Christmas. “That would mean possibly 2,500 to 6,500 new cases over the next month, which is pretty serious,” Heltz said.
Local hospitals are seeing a decrease in the number of Intensive Care Unit beds available, and more of those beds are taken by patients testing positive for COVID.
Bottom line, local Fishers COVID transmission continues to see a rapid increase, according to Heltz.
The demand for testing at the Fishers testing site has been on the rise. As of Monday, November 23rd, it takes 2-4 days to get an appointment and 1-5 days to receive the results.
The state and county health departments have issued rules, but in Fishers, the public health order is generally more restrictive compared to the state and county.
All this leads the Fishers Health Department to encourage local residents to be careful during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Hamilton County Reporter
Hamilton Southeastern got its season off to a solid start on Tuesday, beating Muncie Central 78-49 at the Bearcats’ fieldhouse.
The Royals, ranked No. 11 in the IBCA one-class poll, were in control from the beginning, leading 20-5 after the first quarter and 38-17 at halftime.
Muncie Central played even with Southeastern in the third quarter, but the Royals
pulled even further away with a 21-point fourth quarter.
“We did a nice job of taking care of the basketball,” said Southeastern coach Brian Satterfield. “We only had nine turnovers for the game.” Satterfield also credited his team with taking care of the boards; the Royals had 34 rebounds for the game.
Vinny Buccilla led the HSE scoring with 16 points and also handed out four assists. Dalton Retzner earned a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, with Buccilla and John McCall both collecting five rebounds. Sam Jacobs added 14 points, while McCall scored 11.
Jason Stutz dished out five assists and Loudon Sundling had five steals.
Southeastern travels to Pike on Saturday to take on the No. 13-ranked Red
Devils.
by
Richie Hall
Sports Editor
Hamilton County Reporter
FISHERS – The Fishers boys basketball team already has its identity set for the 2020-21 season, and it can be boiled down to three things: Depth, balance and unselfishness.
The Tigers put all of those on display in its season-opening game Tuesday at the Tiger Den, when they overwhelmed Ben Davis 75-49. It was an impressive opener for Fishers, which is ranked No. 20 in the IBCA’s one-class pre-season poll.
The Tigers were playing their first game under new head coach Garrett Winegar, who was the head coach at Warren Central last season and had spent a few years there as an assistant. When discussing the game afterwards, Winegar brought up something then-head coach Criss Beyers said during the Warriors’ undefeated state championship season in 2017-18.
“When I was at Warren with Coach Byers the year we won state, we had six players averaging between 8 and 12 points a game,” said Winegar. “He always just preached to them, like, ‘We don’t care who gets the shot, we just want the best shot.’ And I think this group, I think we see that they’re playing unselfish, they’re willing to pass up a good shot to get a great shot, and that’s exciting.
That attitude was in effect for the Tigers on Tuesday. Fishers had four players reach double figures in scoring, chipping in between 11 and 17 points. Of the nine Tigers who took to the floor, eight of them scored at least one point.
“I think that’s our strength,” said Winegar. “We don’t have one guy who’s probably going to go get 30, but we have six guys who can probably go get 15. Our depth and our balance and our unselfishness has to be something that is our strength. We’re probably never going to be the most athletic or most talented team on the floor when we play, so we have to be the most unselfish and we have to be well-rounded.”
Fishers never trailed in the game, and the score was only tied twice, early in the game at 2-2, then 4-4. Junior Charlie Smith broke that second tie with a 3-pointer, then the Tigers finished the first quarter on a 6-0 run to lead 15-7. Junior Bryce Williams got the first five points (including a 3), then junior Matt Brewer made a free throw.
The run continued at the start of the second period, with sophomore Myles Stringer hitting a couple free throws to push Fishers ahead 17-7. The Giants cut that lead to 17-12 as KJ Windham, a talented freshman, made a 3-pointer and a layin.
But the Tigers darted ahead again with a 6-0 run; senior Lucas Prewitt, Smith and senior Drew Turner each made baskets. That made the score 23-12, and Fishers maintained that lead through halftime, where it led 31-23.
The Tigers took total control in the third quarter, outscoring Ben Davis 27-8. Fishers scored the first 15 points of the period, with Williams pouring in eight points (including another 3). Turner scored seven in the middle of the quarter (also including a 3), then junior Sean Millsaps hit two 3s on his way to eight third-period points. Fishers had eight total 3-pointers in the game.
“I think the third quarter, we showed how good we possibly could be on defense,” said Winegar.
The fourth period was a little more even, but Ben Davis was never able to make a dent into the Tigers’ lead. Prewitt and Millsaps each made a 3-pointer in the quarter.
Williams finished with 17 points, followed by Turner with 16, Millsaps with 13 and Smith with 11. Fishers was playing without Jeffrey Simmons, still recovering from an injury.
“We got a long way to go to be where we want to be, offensively and defensively, but if they play with the kind of effort and energy and togetherness that they’ve been playing with, this group has a chance to surprise some people,” said Winegar.
Fishers plays another home game next Tuesday, taking on Muncie Central.