FAQs
I keep voting for referenda, and they keep passing. Why do we need a foundation?
Referenda support, while much‐needed and welcomed, doesn’t foot the bill. As discussed, shifts in public school funding models mean that tax based dollars don’t go as far as they used to. Add to the mix changing demographics and property tax caps, and the need to raise private‐sector funds to support grants and scholarships is real and immediate. Finally, in light of so many failed referenda around the state, no one can be certain if Hamilton Southeastern ballot issues will continue to pass.
HSSF, on the other hand, presents a permanent solution. With continued community support, it will always be able to supplement traditional revenue streams by supporting teachers and projects that enhance district excellence.
Which organizations have recognized and ranked Hamilton Southeastern Schools?
Newsweek Top High Schools 2013:
Fishers HS 725th nationally and 5th in Indiana (HSEHS data was not considered for this one since it was not contacted)
US News & World Report:
HSEHS 676th nationally and 7th in state; FHS 698th nationally and 8th in state Washington Post: FHS 633rd nationally and 7th in state; HSEHS 866th nationally and 10th in state
According to 2013 Estimated Tuition Support Per ADM prepared by the Indiana Office of School Finance HSE Schools is sixth from the bottom of 363 school districts in per-student funding.
Enrollment records reported to the Indiana Department of Education show that HSE’s district grew from 10,643 students in 2002 to 19,981 in the fall of 2012. No other district is close in sheer numbers.
HSE Schools has four schools that have received U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon status based on consistently high student performance: Fishers Elementary, HSE High School, HSE Junior High, and Sand Creek Intermediate.
Based on the percentage of graduates who passed at least one Advanced Placement exam, the district’s high schools ranked fifth in the state based on 2011 numbers.
Given Hamilton Southeastern Schools are among the best, why do we need more money?
Simply put, excellence has a price. The difference between a failing or even average school system and one that effectively prepares young people to succeed in the classroom, the band room, the athletic field, and in the community is often funding. The grants and scholarships provided by HSSF purchase equipment, train educators, underwrite curricula, and assist graduates access to post‐secondary education. Fishers’ citizens should never have to settle for second best for their children because dollars weren’t available.
I noticed that HSSF holds a number of fundraisers. Are additional donations necessary?
Event fundraising, even successful gatherings like those held by HSSF, rarely raise major funds. Their purpose, in addition to of course generating some net revenue, is to connect participants to HSSF and district leaders, tell the HSSF story, and build relationships for future fundraising. Given needs have grown with the district’s growth over the years and HSSF’s limited ability to add more events, HSSF leadership has determined that a capital campaign is necessary to increase funds to support more and larger educator grants and student scholarships.
My kids are grown and gone. What’s my Return on Investment for supporting HSSF?
Strong schools help make Fishers an ideal place to live. Property values, economic opportunities, infrastructure, safety, and recreation are all positively impacted by a school system that promotes academic, athletic and extra‐curricular excellence.