Local schools will see an overall 3.18% increase in spending during 2020, compared to 2019, if the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board approves the spending plan presented at Wednesday’s board meeting.

HSE Schools Business Manager Cecilie Nunn told board members that changes in how funds are organized, per changes in state law, will lead to more transfers among and between the various funds.  The Education Fund, which pays for teacher salaries, will increase 8% in 2020, compared to the previous year.  The Referendum Fund also provides for teacher compensation, and it is projected to rise 6.3% in 2020.

The property tax rate for HSE Schools is expected to decrease slightly in 2020, by 0.89%.

Per state law, the board provided an opportunity for the public to comment on the 2020 spending plan, but no one chose to comment.

The board is scheduled to vote on the 2020 budget at the October 23rd meeting.

Also, a public hearing was held on the contract agreement reached with the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) that has been ratified by the teachers.  For more on the contract, use this link. No one chose to speak at the public hearing.  The teacher contract will also be up for a board vote October 23rd.

Board President Michelle Fullhart began the meeting with an apology to the Jewish community in Fishers because the board was holding a meeting on Yom Kippur, the  holiest religious day of the year for those observing the Jewish faith.  She promised the board will do better in the future.