Four Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools teachers were surprised this week when Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness awarded them more than $31,000 in funding through the City’s Educator Innovation Grant program.

The initiative, launched in 2024, provides financial support for teachers to develop creative, hands-on learning opportunities in their classrooms. With this latest round of awards, the city has distributed nearly $385,000 in funding to educators since the program began.

“The Educator Innovation Grant program is about empowering our teachers to try new ideas that inspire students and reimagine what learning can look like,” Fadness said.

Since its launch, 24 grants have been awarded across 13 HSE schools, supporting projects ranging from makerspaces and virtual reality programs to English as a New Language initiatives and teacher professional development.

This week’s recipients include:

• Melanie Mullins, 2nd Grade, Harrison Parkway Elementary — $8,590 to establish a K–4 STEM Lab Starter, including lab hardware and professional development for teachers.

• Shannon Foster, 4th Grade, Lantern Road Elementary — $5,445.69 for a LEGO Learning System to introduce students to STEAM concepts and creative problem solving.

• Nicolle Symons, 5th–6th Grade, Fall Creek Intermediate — $10,548 to create a makerspace for hands-on STEM exploration and career readiness activities.

• Erin Gastineau, 10th Grade, Hamilton Southeastern High School — $11,700 to purchase Manikens® models for the Human Body Systems course, part of the school’s Project Lead the Way Biomedical Pathway.

Grant applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of former HSE educators, community entrepreneurs, and HSE alumni.

The City of Fishers has budgeted $50,000 for the program in 2026. Applications are accepted year-round, and the next round of grants will be announced in spring 2026.

More information about the Educator Innovation Grant program is available at this link.

Contract negotiations between the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) and Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) remain tense, with the two sides offering differing accounts of progress at the bargaining table.

In an update to members this week, placed publicly on social media, the HSEA bargaining team said talks with district administrators failed to produce a tentative agreement that they believe would fairly recognize the value of HSE teachers and staff. The union said it presented what it called a “serious proposal” designed to protect employees from higher health insurance premiums, but that the district rejected the offer.

“We brought a serious proposal, one that reflects your value and the reality of our schools,” the union said in its statement. “Our hopes were high that, this time, we’d find a partner in administration. We were wrong.”

Union leaders said the district has repeatedly cited financial challenges—such as deficit spending, prior fiscal obligations, and insurance costs—as reasons for limiting salary and benefit increases. HSEA leaders contend those arguments do not reflect the district’s true financial position, pointing to other Indiana districts that have reached agreements without cutting take-home pay.

The union said its key goal is for employees to be “held harmless” from insurance premium increases, which it estimates would cost $2.7 million in recurring expenses. According to HSEA, the district has so far offered to cover about $1.1 million of that total.

Administrators, meanwhile, emphasize that Hamilton Southeastern remains one of the top districts in the state for its investment in teacher compensation. A recent report from the Indiana Department of Education found that HSE directed 84.44% of its net tuition support to teacher salaries and benefits—ranking 13th out of 290 districts statewide and second among districts of comparable size.

“This report reflects a thoughtful and steady approach to supporting the teachers who guide student learning every day,” Superintendent Patrick Mapes said in a district news release. “We remain focused on retaining excellent educators, attracting new talent, and providing the resources necessary for strong instruction across all schools.”

Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown said the district’s financial strategy prioritizes classroom investments while maintaining long-term budget stability.

“It is our goal as district leadership to ensure that resources are aligned to where they make the greatest impact,” Brown said. “This continues to be a community that values strong teaching, and these numbers reflect that priority.”

While the administration points to state data as evidence of its financial commitment to teachers, union leaders argue that the figures don’t tell the full story of what educators are experiencing in their paychecks and benefits.

“We know our worth,” the HSEA bargaining team wrote. “Our staff is worth every single penny and more.”

Negotiations are ongoing, and both sides say they remain committed to reaching an agreement before the current bargaining period closes November 15.  If no agreement is reached by then, a mediator will be appointed to work on a settlement.  After 30 days, if no contract is in place, a state fact finder will review final offers by both sides and choose one.

The Indy Fuel fell to the Bloomington Bison 4-2 Wednesday night at the Fishers Event Center.

The game remained close until the final moments. With less than two minutes left, the Fuel pulled goaltender Owen Flores for an extra attacker, but Bloomington’s Shane Ott sealed the win with an empty-net goal—his second of the night—giving the Bison a 4-2 advantage with just seconds remaining.

It was a hard-fought and physical contest, highlighted by a fight between the Fuel’s Tyson Feist and a Bloomington skater, resulting in five-minute fighting penalties for both players.

Earlier in the game, Bloomington’s Lou-Félix Denis capitalized on a penalty shot to give the Bison a 3-2 lead, a margin the Fuel couldn’t overcome.

The loss drops Indy to 2-4-1 on the season, still searching for their first home victory.

The Fuel and Bison will meet again Friday night at the Fishers Event Center.

The City of Fishers is now accepting applications for its 2026 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant Program, marking the 26th year of the community improvement initiative.

The program offers 80/20 matching grants of up to $25,000 for homeowners associations and neighborhood groups to fund projects that enhance neighborhood aesthetics, sustainability, and overall livability. The City has set aside $400,000 in its 2026 budget for the program.

Past grant-supported projects have included pollinator gardens, athletic court upgrades, landscaping enhancements, and ADA-accessible playgrounds and recreation spaces.

New for 2026, neighborhoods with a completed reserve study will receive priority consideration. Grant funds may also be used to help complete a reserve study as part of an overall project proposal.

“Over the past several years, we’ve stepped up our commitment to foster vibrancy within our neighborhoods, allocating almost $2 million to this initiative since 2023,” Mayor Scott Fadness said in a statement. “Our residents and HOAs have responded with a record number of project proposals, and it’s exciting to see how neighbors are working together to improve the quality of life in their community.”

Applications are open through January 23, 2026. Additional program details and application materials are available at this link..

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.

Hamilton Southeastern High School has unveiled the Royals Innovation Lab, a cutting-edge student tech workspace at Launch Fishers designed to replicate a professional software development environment and connect students with real-world industry mentors. The lab, created through a Career Readiness Grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and TechPoint, will serve as a public hub where students in the school’s Software Development Capstone Course collaborate alongside local tech professionals on practical projects.

As the capstone experience in Indiana’s Next Level Programs of Study pathway for software development, the lab invites students who have completed foundational courses in computing principles, website and database development, and software development. This year’s capstone class, led by computer science educator Julie Alano, comprises 14 students in grades 10–12, including several who have returned for a second year of advanced study.

“Launch Fishers provides the perfect environment for students to experience authentic, project-based learning,” Alano said. “They’re surrounded by entrepreneurs and professionals who model collaboration, creativity, and innovation – skills our students need for the future workforce.”

Looking ahead, the Hamilton Southeastern district aims to develop the Innovation Lab into a student-run software company within five years, broadening opportunities for work-based learning in partnership with local tech firms such as SEP, Counterpart, and Exos. The grant also funds new technology and software for students interested in coding, cybersecurity, and digital design.

The program welcomes back two alumni mentors, Evan Sellers and Tommy Adams—both 2020 graduates—who now guide current students as volunteers. Past capstone students have achieved state and national honors, including wins in the Congressional App Challenge and Nextech CSforGood competition. Tools developed by students, like hseschedule.app and hsecourses.app, are already benefiting the HSE High School community.

Alano notes that artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way coding is taught, with modern programs capable of writing code themselves. She encourages her students to leverage AI for efficiency but cautions against over-reliance: “Use it to make yourself more efficient.” Teaching in the era of AI presents new challenges as educators adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape.

Among this year’s cohort, students such as John Patch, Rexford Tolle, and Turner Price trace their passion for technology back to early childhood. After graduation, they plan to pursue studies at institutions including Utah State, Georgia Tech, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Patch, in particular, has already made an impact by developing a phone app linked to the HSE High School schedule, now widely used by students and teachers.

The Hamilton County Democratic Party has elected Fishers resident Sarah Van Bokkelen as its new party secretary.

Van Bokkelen was chosen during a county caucus held Oct. 25. She succeeds to the role as the party continues to expand its organization and volunteer base ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

A Fishers resident since 2016, Van Bokkelen has held multiple leadership roles within the party. Her experience includes serving as vice precinct chair, precinct chair, Fishers Township coordinator, Get Out the Vote coordinator in Fishers, a member of the Fishers City Committee executive team, and volunteer coordinator for the county party.

According to the party, her background includes organizing volunteers, coordinating events, training team members, developing voter engagement resources, analyzing data and working directly with candidates and campaigns.

Van Bokkelen is also active in community organizations. She serves in a leadership role with Fishers PRIDE and volunteers with Boost Up HSE, a group that supports teachers and families in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

“I’m honored to serve as Secretary for the Hamilton County Democratic Party,” Van Bokkelen said in a statement. “I believe in teamwork, dedication, and getting things done efficiently. I look forward to supporting our members and continuing to build a strong, connected Democratic community here in Hamilton County.”

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Josh Lowry welcomed Van Bokkelen to the leadership team.

“We’re excited to have Sarah on board as our county party grows,” Lowry said. “With her expertise, we hope to continue to serve the good citizens of Hamilton County with even more efficiency.”

Van Bokkelen will join the party’s executive committee as she assumes her duties.

Hamilton County officials on Monday celebrated the start of construction on a new Public Safety Training Center, a facility designed to serve first responders from across the county and reduce the need to travel elsewhere for specialized training.

The 60-acre campus, located near 161st Street and River Road in Noblesville, will include more than 20,000 square feet of classroom and tactical space, a five-story fire training tower, outdoor firing range, and dedicated space for SWAT and defensive tactics training.

Chad Knecht, executive director of Hamilton County Emergency Operations, encouraged first responders to fully utilize the new complex once it opens.

“I challenge every firefighter, police officer, and public safety person in this county to make the best of this state-of-the-art facility,” Knecht said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “Never rest on your laurels. The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in the combat of public safety.”

Hundreds of local officials and first responders from communities across Hamilton County attended the event.

County Commissioner President Steve Dillinger praised the project’s long-awaited progress.

“The training they’ll get out here will have long lasting effects on Hamilton County,” Dillinger said. “We are so excited because we’ve been working on this project for 15 years. Government works slow, but we’re here now and we’re very happy about it.”

The $32 million project will be funded through county-issued bonds and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Once operational, the training center will serve as a regional hub for joint exercises, advanced certifications, and coordination among police, fire, and emergency response agencies.

The Hamilton East Public Library will bring back its LibraryCon celebration next weekend, offering a free, family-friendly event for fans of all ages.

The second annual LibraryCon is set for Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fishers Library. The event will feature cosplay, workshops, live performances, gaming, artist vendors and more. Costumes are encouraged, and attendees can participate in a 360-degree photo booth or join group cosplay photo sessions at 12:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.

“We’re thrilled for the return of LibraryCon,” said Danielle Acton, the library’s adult program coordinator. “Our inaugural event last November drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 1,000 attendees of all ages, and the response from the community was incredible.” Acton said fan-favorites such as the artist marketplace and live performances will return, with new activities added this year.

Highlights include hands-on workshops with cartoonist David Reddick and Maker-in-Residence Matt DeLoughery, miniature painting sessions requiring pre-registration, and live music from il Troubadore, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and musicians performing “Legend of Zelda” music. A trivia competition, appearances by Star Wars Indiana cosplayers, an artist alley featuring local creators, and a blood drive offering donor incentives are also planned.

All-day offerings will include board and video games, food trucks, face painting, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and a Random Fandom art exhibit showcasing local fan artwork.

The event is free to attend, though some activities require advance registration through the library’s website. Food, drinks, and merchandise will be available for purchase.

LibraryCon will take place at the Fishers branch located at 5 Municipal Drive. More information and registration details can be found at hamiltoneastpl.org.

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools are preparing to redraw district boundaries for all school buildings except the two high schools.  I asked two individuals involved in this process to join me on a podcast and discuss it.  Bryan Rausch is the Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Andrew Bishop is with the consulting firm hired by the school board, Woolpert.  Both discussed the redistricting process in the podcast linked below.  The first link is to the audio version, the second the video version of the podcast.