HSE Schools CFO Outlines Budget Challenges, Optimism for the Future

LarryInFishers.com
CFO Tim Brown presents the financial situation facing HSE Schools

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown delivered a comprehensive financial update to the school board Wednesday night, highlighting key funding issues and projecting cautious optimism amid legislative and fiscal challenges.

Brown, alongside Superintendent Patrick Mapes, emphasized that while Indiana’s new school funding measures present hurdles, HSE is “positively” positioned—as well as any district in the state—to address them.

Enrollment Shifts and State Funding

State support for public schools is largely based on enrollment. Brown noted that 1,800 students graduated from HSE’s two high schools this year, while just 1,100 kindergartners were enrolled for the 2024–2025 school year—a trend that could impact future state funding.

Although Indiana increased per-student funding, the General Assembly also folded a $158 per-student textbook and curriculum subsidy into the base funding. That move, Brown said, effectively reduced the size of the funding increase when accounting for new expenses.

Property Tax Changes and Financial Impact

Brown explained that upcoming changes to Indiana’s property tax system will have a significant impact on school finances. In addition to the complex standard and supplementary deductions, every property taxpayer will receive a new $300 credit. While helpful to homeowners, that credit alone is expected to cost HSE Schools roughly $4 million per year in lost revenue.

Mapes added that a clearer financial picture won’t emerge until the district receives updated assessed valuation data later this year.

Administrative Staffing Updates

Brown also presented an update on administrative staffing levels. HSE had 101 administrators in February 2024; by May, that number had grown to 109. The increase includes one additional assistant principal and dean at each high school, as well as four new instructional coaches.

Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, the district plans to add seven more administrative roles:

  • Director of Career & Technical Education

  • Executive Director of Elementary Education

  • District Workplace Learning Manager

  • Four additional instructional coaches

Legal Expenses

Brown shared details about the district’s legal costs. In 2024, HSE paid a $125,000 retainer to law firm Barnes & Thornburg, plus $81,000 for litigation and labor matters. An additional $4,200 was billed for the Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) complaint involving the local teachers union, and $10,000 went toward collective bargaining legal fees.

For 2025 (through June 11), the board has approved a $60,000 retainer. Other legal expenses include $3,000 for litigation and labor, $3,400 for ULP-related matters, and $25,000 for collective bargaining—some of which covers legal work from the previous year.

More Information Coming

This week, HSE Schools plans to post Brown’s full PowerPoint presentation on the district website. Officials also intend to release a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help the community better understand the financial outlook.

While many changes are on the horizon, district leaders remain confident that budget challenges can be addressed without impacting academic programming.