There has been speculation for a long time about the future of Fishers Elementary School.  Plans were laid out recently to continue Fishers Elementary at the same location with major renovations.

HSE Schools Facilities Manager Matt Rapp told the school board Wednesday night the original structure was built in 1958 with a second floor added in 1988.  The building has no elevator and is the only HSE building with no fire sprinkler system.

The current building can accommodate 450 students.  The renovated Fishers Elementary will hold 700 students.

The renovated building will be designed much like Deer Creek Elementary, but on 8.8 acres, a much smaller geographic footprint compared to other HSE elementary structures.

Rapp says students will have classes ongoing at the facility while Fishers Elementary is being renovated.

Rapp says he will have a full presentation of plans for Fishers Elementary at the June board meeting.

In other items before the board Wednesday night:

–Approval was given for  $2 million upgrade to the radio communications systems used by the school staff and Resource Safety Officers.

–The board heard a detailed review of the food services operation.

–Chief Financial Officer Katy Dowling reviewed the school district’s current finances.  She reviewed what is known about the state’s new 2-year budget enacted during the 2023 legislative session.  There will be an increase in per-student funding but the state will help to a certain extent for the cost of books and student devices.  Administrators are still learning all that the state lawmakers have passed in the budget session this year.