I have covered the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board for 13 years, and this is the first time the district has chosen to have a required public hearing outside a regular board meeting.  State law requires a public hearing before formal bargaining begins between a local teachers union and a school corporation.

With that formal bargaining about to begin, the HSE Schools chose to have a public hearing not part of a school board session Tuesday evening.  The hearing was not live streamed on video as in regular board meetings, but administrators said a video recording would be posted by the school district October 2nd.

There were nine speakers at this public hearing, all expressing strong support for the teachers’ union, the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA).  Many argued they moved to the Fishers area to be a part of HSE Schools, a district with a solid reputation.  Most argued that reputation could wane if teachers are not compensated properly.

Teachers said if there is no pay raise this year, a more than 8% increase in health insurance premiums will equate to a pay cut for the teaching staff.

There were comments on the district’s decision to move away from interest-based bargaining to a traditional, or positional, bargaining model (For more on that use this link).  They were critical of going to a more confrontational method of negotiations.

Representatives of the school district and HSEA will now enter into formal talks, with the goal of reaching agreement on a new contract.  State law provides a deadline of November 15 to reach an agreement.  If no agreement if reported to the state by then, the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board  will begin a mediation process.

Fishers High School senior Trenton Qualls has earned the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal, a recognition that honors young Americans for their dedication to personal growth and community service.

The award, established by Congress in 1979, encourages young people to achieve personal goals in four areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Unlike many accolades based on competition or academic performance, the Congressional Award highlights a commitment to self-improvement and community impact.

Qualls spent the past two years meeting the rigorous requirements for the Gold Medal, including completing at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a week-long expedition in a new environment.

“What I enjoy so much is helping others and giving them a smile,” Qualls said, reflecting on his efforts. “Whenever I see someone who needs help, I ask, ‘Hey, can I help you with that?’ Knowing that I’ve helped them always makes me feel better too.”

Qualls credits his father for introducing him to the program after the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially uncertain about taking on the challenge while balancing swimming, Scouts, and schoolwork, Qualls says the support of his family and Boy Scout troop helped him succeed.

As he approaches graduation, Qualls advises fellow students to embrace opportunities without becoming overwhelmed. “Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can, but make sure it’s not a burden,” he said. “Hit the ground running but know when to pace yourself.”

Here is the video version of my podcast conversation with Fishers Freight coach Dixie Wooten.

In late March of 2025, the Fishers Freight will take the field as an expansion franchise in the Indoor Football League (IFL).  Dixie Wooten is the Head Coach and General Manager for the Freight.  He spoke with Larry and talked about himself, the league and what fans can expect during the first season for the Fishers Freight.

The Fishers Event Center has booked a major country music act for March of next year in Blake Shelton.  He performs, Saturday, March 29.  Tickets go on sale October 4 at 10:00am, at this link.

Blake Shelton’s country music resume is a long one, with  20 years in the business. In that time, he has accumulated 28 No. 1 singles, sold nearly 15 million album equivalents, and earned upwards of 12.5 billion global streams. Shelton has received a long list of  awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 10 CMAs, 11 CMTs, and six People’s Choice, and more.

As an original coach on the Emmy Award-winning television show The Voice, Shelton brought a steady diet of current and classic country music to the NBC primetime audience. After 23 seasons and nine championships, he stepped away from the show in May of 2023.

Learn more about Blake Shelton at this link.