Last Updated 2 days by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hamilton Southeastern Schools has opened enrollment to students living outside the district, a move aimed at increasing funds and retaining teachers.

The decision comes as the district faces flattening enrollment, with a significant gap between the number of seniors and kindergartners.

HSE Schools Superintendent Pat Mapes said Wednesday that the district has space for 647 new students, primarily in elementary grades, to maintain optimal class sizes.

“We would look at probably 22 to 24 teaching positions being lost if we didn’t increase our enrollment,” Mapes explained. “We have fantastic teachers in our school district and we have one of the most comprehensive curriculums that you’ll find across the state. So, why not allow people who live close by, if they’ll transport their son or daughter to HSE, to attend our schools?”

Mapes noted that this enrollment model has been utilized by other districts in Indiana for about 15 years. Hamilton Southeastern Schools had not needed to adopt this approach until now due to its rapid growth.

Applications for out-of-district enrollment are due by April 1, giving the school district time to organize welcoming events for new students at their respective schools.

Click here to visit the HSE Schools website.