The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board Facilities Committee reviewed a number of issues Wednesday morning, and one item came through loud and clear – once the Fishers Elementary remodel is complete, a redistricting plan will need to be implemented.
The Fishers Elementary project should be completed by the start of school in August of 2026. Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley said the board should have before it a redistricting plan about this time next year. The process of putting together a redistricting map should start around September of 2025.
The remodel of Fishers Elementary will create a larger student population, requiring changes in district lines. A demographic study is now underway in the HSE District with the results expected to be before the school board in December.
With expected population growth in Wayne Township, Kegley said a redistricting plan will buy time for school officials to determine whether a new intermediate or junior high school will be needed in that area.
HSE Facilities Director Matt Rapp said the huge crane above the Fishers Elementary construction may be the highest point in Fishers right now. HSE and the City of Fishers may need to deal with some drainage issues that come under responsibility of state government, tied to inaccurate topographical maps near the wall on I-69. HSE and Fishers could fix the problem now, not delaying the Fishers Elementary construction, and negotiate with the state later on being reimbursed for those expenses.
In other items before the Facilities Committee:
–The District is working to reduce the number of portable classrooms throughout the corporation. During the school year so far, 1 portable was removed at Fishers Elementary and 3 taken from Hoosier Road Elementary. There are now 27 portable classrooms in use in the HSE District. During the winter break, if weather allows, Brook School Elementary will have 3 portables removed.
–The former Durbin Elementary School will be the site for two HSE programs – FOCUS and the Academy. It will cost an estimated $1.5 million and will be funded through proceeds from a 2021 bond. The Academy and FOCUS are currently in leased space and the rental costs are expected to increase. Durbin cannot be expanded due to the lack of a sewer line hookup, but that may change in years to come if commercial and/or residential development moves closer to the Durbin building.
–The Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High (often referred to as the HIJH) will be adding classrooms, with request for proposals to be issued in December and contractor bids expected in January of 2025. This is another effort to eliminate portable classrooms and expand student capacity. The construction period is expected to last 18-24 months, with a possible completion date of August 2026.