Chanting, whistles and car horns filled Cumberland Road Wednesday evening as teachers and supporters rallied outside the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Central Office. The demonstration came as contract negotiations between the district and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) entered mediation.

A large crowd of educators and community members — including supporters from outside the Fishers area — lined the sidewalk in front of the administration building to show solidarity with teachers.

In its most recent statement, the district said administrators remain “committed to negotiating in good faith and are disappointed by the false narratives being promoted and the unproductive path by which the HSEA representatives have chosen to approach this process.” Superintendent Patrick Mapes added that the school board must protect the district from “long-term deficits” while maintaining classroom instruction.

HSEA, in social media posts, pushed back against the district’s claims, saying teachers are being accused of “painting a false narrative,” yet neither administrators nor community members have challenged the accuracy of the data the union has provided. The union also maintains that no one has refuted its explanation of the district’s cash balances. HSEA argues that, under the district’s latest proposal — which teachers overwhelmingly rejected — educators would see no raise and higher health insurance premiums, resulting in reduced take-home pay.

With talks now in mediation, a state-appointed mediator will work with both sides to seek an agreement. If a contract is not approved within 30 days of November 15, the dispute will move to a state fact-finder, who will choose between the two proposals and impose a contract.

A video of the event, including a brief interview with HSEA President Tyler Zerbe, is linked above.