Hamilton Southeastern School Board members took another step Wednesday night in an ongoing effort to bring the district’s budget into balance, approving a new schedule of fees for families.

The vote was 5-1, with one abstention. Board member Latricia Schooley voted no, while Sarah Parks-Reese abstained. On the seven-member board, most measures require at least four votes for approval.

More details on the new fees are available in a previous story at this link.

The board also unanimously approved several school policy changes on second reading, including revisions designed to comply with a new state law governing student access to wireless communication devices, such as cell phones, during the school day. More details on those policy changes are available in my previous story at this link.

In other action Wednesday night:

Two technology contracts were renewed. The first was an agreement with ParentSquare, the district’s communication platform for families and staff. The second was a contract with Lightspeed, which provides web filtering and internet security services for the school district.

The board also approved a measure allowing HSE Schools to partner with the City of Fishers in an effort to secure the best possible pricing on fuel purchases. The action gives administrators authority to move quickly when fuel-buying opportunities arise. District officials said such opportunities can sometimes come with a decision window of only about 45 minutes, particularly when considering longer-term fuel purchases.

Board members also received an update on the proposed timeline for contract bargaining with the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association. Much of that schedule is dictated by state law. Informal negotiations are expected to begin August 24, with the first formal bargaining session set for September 2. If the process stays on schedule, the contract would be finalized by October 28.