The decision by the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board to discontinue the Panorama survey has ignited controversy, and the attention of Indianapolis media.

Rachel Fradette, education reporter for the Indianapolis Star, did a deep dive about the vote and its aftermath in a story posted to the IndyStar Web site Thursday.  She went over the comments made during the meeting and how board members cast their votes.

The HSE Schools released a statement Thursday addressed to “HSE Families and Staff.”  The statement says the HSE district has “previously used the survey to gauge student growth, which informs building staff about what services and supports are needed to increase academic success. The survey also fulfilled requirements set by the Indiana Department of Education as part of yearly school improvement plans.”

The statement goes on to say HSE Schools “will begin the process of evaluating other ways to gather this important data and will share any updates with you as we learn more.”

The board voted 4-3 Wednesday night to discontinue the Panorama Survey, despite the fact that the district has paid $152,000 in advance for surveys for the next 2-and-a-half years that will not be conducted by Panorama.  The district has conducted only one of the surveys from that contract.

Fishers One, a local political group that supported the four school board candidates that won seats on the board in last year’s election, issued a statement Thursday applauding the board vote.

Here is the full text of the HSE Schools statement issued Thursday:

Dear HSE Families and Staff:

 As previously communicated to you, the Panorama survey was scheduled to be given later this month to better understand students’ experiences in our schools. We have conducted this bi-annual survey since 2019.

 During last night’s regularly scheduled Board of School Trustees meeting, the board voted to cease the use of Panorama in our schools, effectively immediately.

 HSE teachers, administrators and school counselors have previously used the survey to gauge student growth, which informs building staff about what services and supports are needed to increase academic success. The survey also fulfilled requirements set by the Indiana Department of Education as part of yearly school improvement plans.

 We will begin the process of evaluating other ways to gather this important data and will share any updates with you as we learn more.

 Thank you in advance for your understanding as we all work together to provide the best educational opportunities and supports for all students.  

 Sincerely,

 HSE Schools