The final school bell of the 2025-26 academic year will ring Friday, May 22, for students in Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools, marking the end of another busy year across the district.
Students throughout Fishers will begin summer break after completing classes on May 22. Teachers will remain on duty through May 26 to wrap up end-of-year responsibilities and prepare for the next school year.
The conclusion of the school year comes after a period of significant change and challenges for Indiana’s fourth-largest school district. During the past year, HSE Schools experienced a superintendent transition, budget reductions, staffing changes, and ongoing discussions about future funding needs.
Former Superintendent Patrick Mapes resigned in March, and longtime district educator Dr. Matt Kegley was first named interim superintendent before being selected permanently for the position by the school board in April.
District leaders also spent much of the spring addressing budget concerns. HSE officials cited rising costs, slightly lower student count and changes in state funding formulas as factors contributing to financial pressures. As part of cost-saving measures, the district issued reduction-in-force notices to 18 teachers, although several of those educators were later offered positions due to attrition and staffing adjustments.
The school board also approved changes to the teacher evaluation system and continued discussions about enrollment trends, redistricting, and the possibility of seeking additional financial support from voters in the future.
Despite those challenges, district officials pointed to a number of accomplishments during the school year. HSE students continued to post strong academic results, while career and technical education opportunities expanded through partnerships such as the new Precision Machining program developed with SMC Corporation of America.
The district also reported record IREAD-3 performance and maintained a graduation rate near 98 percent.
As students begin their summer vacation, preparations are already underway for the 2026-27 school year. Registration activities, facility projects, staffing assignments, and curriculum planning will continue throughout the summer months.
The first day of school for HSE students in the 2026-27 academic year is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5.
For now, however, students, teachers and families can enjoy a well-earned summer break after another eventful year in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.