When discussing school funding at Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools, one reality has held true for years: the state of Indiana funds schools based on student enrollment — a fixed amount per student. Suburban districts such as HSE, Carmel, and Zionsville consistently receive some of the lowest per-student funding in the state.
For example, Indianapolis Public Schools is projected to receive about $8,250 per student in 2026 and $8,360 in 2027. HSE, by comparison, is estimated to receive roughly $7,121 per student in 2025-26. These are estimates, but they illustrate a long-standing gap.
In other words, HSE begins each budget cycle at a disadvantage. And this year, lawmakers added another complication. Changes enacted through Senate Bill 1 have significantly constrained local school and government budgets statewide. The issue is complex, but the result is clear: schools are grappling with tighter finances than ever.
That reality sits at the center of the tense contract negotiations between the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) and district leadership. Administrators have told HSEA that the latest contract proposal includes no salary increase and would raise health insurance premiums — leaving teachers with less take-home pay than under the current contract.
The district presented what it described as its final offer, the union then sent the proposal to teachers for a ratification vote. In a striking moment, no HSEA representative addressed the school board when the contract was presented — something I have not seen in 13 years covering this board. Union leaders clearly did not support the proposal.
Teachers overwhelmingly rejected it: 86% voted “no.” Long-time observers say they cannot recall another HSE contract being voted down.
Lines are now firmly drawn. District administrators say they cannot afford salary increases or additional support for rising insurance costs. HSEA argues the district has cash reserves that could at least prevent teachers from earning less this school year.
HSEA President Tyler Zerbe notified teachers — in a message also posted publicly — that the union is recommending “work-to-rule,” meaning staff should work only their contracted hours. Teachers often work beyond the school day grading, planning, and communicating with families. The move is meant to demonstrate the value that work brings to students and the community, Zerbe said.
Some in the community argue HSE teachers already receive competitive benefits — particularly the 5% district match on 403(b) retirement contributions. However, that enhanced match came about in past negotiations when teachers opted for stronger retirement benefits instead of higher salaries. This was a strategic choice by teachers, not a gift from the district.
What concerns me most is the sentiment I am hearing from teachers: they feel disrespected and undervalued. That perception — right or wrong — carries consequences. HSE’s strong reputation has helped fuel Fishers’ growth for decades. If educators feel the relationship with district leadership has deteriorated to the point of work-to-rule, we should all take notice.
If a contract is not ratified by November 15, the two sides will enter mediation. I have seen skilled mediators succeed in resolving difficult impasses. But if mediation fails, state law triggers fact-finding: a state-appointed official will choose one side’s final offer, and that becomes the contract, without ratification votes.
HSE is the fourth-largest school district in Indiana, and what happens here will be watched statewide. Can the district and union reach an agreement both sides can support? We will know soon.
For Fishers, the stakes are high — not only for our teachers and students, but for the community’s reputation as a place that values education.