From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 179

Our partners at the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) recently hosted a webinar on the Efficiency Scan & Fiscal Analysis of Indiana School Corporations, highlighting a new independent, evidence‑based review of Indiana’s public schools.

The findings present a clear and compelling picture: Indiana is producing exceptional student outcomes despite operating with significantly fewer resources than most states. According to the report, Indiana ranks sixth nationally in fourth‑grade reading, maintains a record‑high graduation rate, and continues to improve attendance – all while ranking 38th in per‑pupil spending, more than $3,400 below the national average.

For Hamilton Heights, these results affirm what our community already knows: our schools deliver strong outcomes through smart, efficient use of resources and a deep commitment to students. Like many Indiana districts, Hamilton Heights School Corporation has long embraced shared services, cooperative purchasing, energy efficiencies, and multi‑role staffing, strategies the report confirms are now at or near saturation statewide. Districts have already captured nearly all available structural savings.

Looking ahead, continued progress will depend on investment in people, instructional quality, and equitable funding for mandated services, including special education and English Language Learners.

The report also underscores several statewide challenges that directly affect districts like Hamilton Heights. Indiana’s teacher compensation has declined more than 20 percent in real terms since 2002, ranking 38th nationally, with the state posting the lowest per‑pupil spending growth in the country over the past 20-plus years. The study recommends strengthening teacher pay, reinstating structured teacher mentorship, ensuring consistent accountability standards across all publicly funded schools, and fully funding mandated obligations – priorities that align closely with Hamilton Heights’ ongoing efforts to attract, retain, and support exceptional educators.

As we continue this important work, we are also proud to celebrate the people who represent the very best of Hamilton Heights. We are excited to invite our community to submit nominations for the second annual Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring graduates who continue to make Hamilton Heights proud through their remarkable achievements and service. This recognition celebrates alumni from Hamilton Heights High School and our historic schools (Atlanta, Arcadia, Cicero, Jackson Central, and Walnut Grove) whose contributions have made a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Graduates from any field of service or accomplishment are eligible, including those in the Armed Services, business, athletics, government, law enforcement, medicine, nonprofit leadership, and other areas of distinction. Nominees must be graduates of at least 15 years, and the award may be given posthumously.

Nominations are open now through Oct. 26, and anyone may submit a candidate for consideration. Honorees will be formally recognized during our Winter Homecoming celebration, where we highlight the remarkable individuals who continue to inspire future generations of Huskies. More information and the nomination form can be found here.

Finally, I want to share a brief update: the Husky Champions Club website is now live. This initiative reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to supporting student opportunities, athletics, and activities. We encourage families, alumni, and community partners to explore the site and help spread the word. You can view it here.

Hamilton Heights continues to thrive because of the people who believe in our mission – our students, families, staff, alumni, and community partners. As we navigate statewide challenges and celebrate local successes, our focus remains the same: providing exceptional opportunities for every student, every day.

#WeAreHuskies