HSE Schools to Receive Less State Funding After Enrollment Overestimate

LarryInFishers.com

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will receive less state tuition support in the coming months after district leaders overestimated student enrollment earlier this year.

HSE projected a student count that came in 141 students higher than the official number recorded in October, which determines state funding. Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown told the School Board’s Finance Committee Wednesday that administrators used the best information available when making mid-summer enrollment estimates, but the final count fell short.

As a result, the district will receive $500,000 less in state tuition support during the final two months of 2025. The remaining overpayment will be recouped in 2026 at a rate of $84,000 per month. Brown noted that a second student count in February could slightly improve the funding picture, as it has in some previous years.

Overall, HSE expects tuition support to be $654,000 lower than last school year. Brown added that funding for certain student subgroups — such as special education and English language learners — could increase later in the year. He also noted that comparisons to last year’s funding are complicated by the state’s new method for covering curricular materials, often referred to as textbook fees.

Other Finance Committee Business

  • Water Storage Tank Project: The board will be asked to approve $5 million for a water storage tank at Hamilton Southeastern High School. The tank will be installed below the band area and new bus parking lot. Director of Facilities and Maintenance Matt Rapp said the City of Fishers granted the district flexibility on 100-year floodplain requirements. The project is necessary to support a future career and technology center and to address safety concerns related to bus drop-off traffic. Bond savings will help fund the work, Brown said.

  • Boiler Replacement at Harrison Parkway Elementary: The committee received an update on plans to replace a 28-year-old boiler at Harrison Parkway Elementary to improve energy efficiency. The project is expected to cost $212,000.

  • Retirement Plan Updates: The board will consider updates to the district’s 403(b) and 457 retirement plans to align with federal tax law changes. Beginning next year, employees will also have the option to contribute to a Roth account through the 403(b) plan.