Editor’s note: The following is a statement issued by Sylvia Shepler, Acting Board President of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board. The statement was provided to the Reporter by our news sharing partner Larry Lannan, LarryInFishers.com.
As the acting board president and on behalf of the HSE Schools board of trustees, I have a statement I’d like to make.
During recent months we have been painfully reminded that our school board has not been acting nor upholding the strong reputation our schools hold within our community and around the state. Rather it appears our actions have further divided and brought unnecessary criticisms from the media, our community, our staff and our students. On behalf of the board, I want to apologize. If we cannot be unified and find ways to collaborate, then how can we expect something different from our staff and students? We can and will do better.
As a board and as individuals, we each love and care for every one of the 21,000 students and 2,500 employees of HSE Schools. We do not want any student or staff to face harassment or discrimination. In fact, our primary goal is to provide the best environment for every student to meet their highest potential. We desire to have the best working environment for our staff and are committed to supporting them as best we can. We have always and continue to believe that Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation is the best public school system in the state of Indiana, and we will strive to keep it on top.
As a board of community members coming from diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs, we are aware that not every decision will be unanimous. However, they need not be contentious. We will do better in our efforts to listen and respect one another in order to best support our students and staff. We also want to reiterate the board speaks with a singular voice. Clearly there are six and soon to be again seven voices that comprise the board. Each represents the community and has a valuable contribution to make. As we deliberate, we must respect and honor all ideas, positions, opinions. Our comments and discussions as we deliberate in the public are not the opinion or position of the board, but rather the process we use to reach the best end goal. When we vote, the board speaks with its singular voice. The discussion should be behind us and our administrators and staff are provided guidance.
Due to recent events, we also missed an important time to communicate with our teachers, administrators and support staff. We apologize for missing that opportunity and want to personally thank you for the tremendous work you do each day in serving our students. You are the heart and soul of HSE Schools and know that we are forever grateful for your servant heartedness. We thank you for your patience as we’ve struggled and stumbled in the past and again reiterate – we will do better.
To our community: I again remind you that each board member loves and cares deeply for each of your children. We want each to succeed and reach their full potential. We are honored and grateful for the trust and confidence that you have placed in our schools. We know you have choices and we thank you for choosing HSE Schools as the place to educate your children.
Thank you.
Sylvia Shepler
HSE School Board