Writer / Larry Lannan
Photography Provided
The July Hamilton East Public Library board meeting ended shortly after a member of the public spoke at the meeting sharply criticizing the board. The board president later said the man was being disruptive. Police asked him politely to leave, and he politely replied that he would not leave. Several officers ended up taking the man from the library.
A school funding referendum will appear on the November ballot for all voters residing within the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) school district. This will renew the current referendum at a slightly lower rate. Mayor Scott Fadness and the City Council attended the school board meeting and voiced strong support for passage of the referendum.
The HSE school board voted to change the student dress code, particularly concerning hats and hoodies. Several speakers from the public criticized the board for not following the advice from a committee of stakeholders not to make that change. The committee was made up of students, staff, parents and teachers.
An act of the Indiana General Assembly eliminated most book costs and other fees families must pay to attend public schools. However, the state’s financial support of that decision will mean HSE schools will likely pick up the tab for the state funding shortfall, which is just under $1 million, per the school district staff.
The school board announced three new assistant principals. Michael Perry is hired at Harrison Parkway Elementary, replacing Rebekah Landez. Kayla Rego will take over as assistant principal at Thorpe Creek Elementary, replacing Jana Allen. Allison Rogowski is taking over the assistant principal spot at Fishers Elementary, replacing Quentin Hunter. In addition, the board approved hiring Tim Mankin as interim principal at Fall Creek Junior High School. Mankin has been retired from HSE schools, and fills in after Stacey Swan resigned from the principal post. Mankin’s appointment is not to exceed 12 weeks.
The HSE schools administration will continue to discuss issues with the local teachers union, the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association. Superintendent Yvonne Stokes says she plans to have the same discussions, despite a new state law that makes those talks optional for school districts.
The new Fishers Event Center is on track for a November-December 2024 opening date, based on comments from Fishers Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren at a recent Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. The board approved $36 million in bids, moving the project forward. According to Hultgren, one more set of Event Center bids will be presented to the board for its consideration.
The Event Center will be the home for the Indy Fuel minor league hockey team, and is expected to host a number of local events such as high school graduations and Fishers-HSE high school basketball games.
Carmel and Fishers will be connected by a $5 million pedestrian bridge, based on an agreement involving Fishers, Delaware Township, Clay Township and Carmel. The Fishers end of the bridge is planned to land near the Ambassador House, just north of the planned White River Park.
