Career Technical Education

HSE Schools is exploring a partnership with Opportunity Education to enhance its capacity for providing Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. Currently, only 7% of high school students participate in CTE programs through on-site classes (such as Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assisting, Welding, and Music/Sound Production) or through partnerships with J. Everett Light Career Center, The Pursuit Institute, and ABC Prep Academy. The district’s expenditure on these programs was over $554,000 in the 2023-24 school year, with costs projected to approach $1.2 million due to anticipated enrollment increases.

By partnering with Opportunity Education, the district aims to expand its range of career and college programs, which will offer students valuable career skills, industry certifications, and college credits. Opportunity Education’s investment in facilities and program equipment would enable a faster and more extensive rollout of these opportunities than HSE Schools could achieve on its own. This collaboration would help students make more informed decisions about their post-graduation paths, potentially saving families money, strengthening the local workforce, and retaining local talent.

Opportunity Education is a nonprofit founded by Ameritrade Founder and CEO Joe Ricketts, and its work began in 2005, mainly supporting education efforts in developing nations.

An Innovation Network School is operated by an innovation network team responsible for its management within a school corporation. This type of school allows school districts to partner with external organizations, such as non-profits or charter organizations, to manage and operate public schools. The aim is to foster innovation in education and improve student outcomes through locally-driven solutions.

The Innovation Network School model empowers communities and school districts to innovate in areas such as:

• Increasing teacher salaries and achieving financial sustainability for these increases.
• Developing new instructional and staffing models.
• Using technology to enhance instruction.
• Preparing students for transitions to higher education or careers.

Traditional Charter Schools

• Limited or no collaboration with local school districts. Often viewed as competition to the local school district.
• Serves exclusively the needs of students enrolled at the charter school.
• Accountable to an entity not connected to the school district.
• Student enrollment is typically opposed by the local school district. 

Innovation Network Schools

• Collaborative by design to offer complimentary programs and share best practices and resources.
• Functions to create impact for all students enrolled in the school district.
• Accountable to the school district and community.
• Enrollment is supported by the district as a way of expanding students' access to learning opportunities. 

The discussions with Opportunity Education began in late July 2024, driven by a state-mandated deadline of August 31, 2024. This deadline is critical because it allows us to potentially secure up to $2 million in funding for the planning and implementation of the Innovation Network School. The urgency may make the process seem rushed, but it's important to note that signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and exploring this partnership does not obligate HSE Schools to proceed at this point.

HSE Schools is not yet committed to Opportunity Education. Although a graphic on Opportunity Education’s website indicates their intent to submit a Quest Forward Charter School Application for the 2025-26 school year, HSE Schools has not made a final commitment. Opportunity Education has been transparent about their discussions with multiple school districts across Indiana, with Fishers and HSE Schools emerging as leading candidates. This process remains in its exploratory phase, and both the community and the school board will be actively involved in any final decisions. If the funding is awarded, we would have 13 months from the time the funds are received to open the school, in compliance with federal and state funding requirements.

The primary obstacle is cost. Historically, vocational institutions were largely established with federal funding in the 1960s and 1970s to support workforce development. Today, without such federal assistance, the financial burden falls on the school district and local community.

Over the past 18 months, HSE Schools explored two potential properties for these programs. However, state law requires that a school district can only purchase property at the average price of two appraisals. Unfortunately, in both instances, the property owners' asking prices were significantly higher than the appraisal amounts, making it impossible for us to move forward with the purchases.

We also explored the possibility of adding these programs directly to our high school campuses, but space constraints make this unfeasible. Ignoring the option of a partnership would be unwise, as it provides a practical solution to expanding career education. If the partnership doesn’t materialize, HSE Schools will consider alternative funding options, such as bond funding. Although we would prefer not to request another referendum from our community, it remains a possible path forward.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools currently face several challenges in expanding Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities:

• Limited Reach: For the 2024-2025 school year, only about 7% of our student population is engaged in CTE programs, whether through in-house offerings on our campuses or through partnerships with J. Everett Light Career Center and The Pursuit Institute. While this enrollment has doubled compared to the 2023-2024 school year, there is still significant room for growth.
• Graduation Data Insights: Analysis of the 2022 graduation cohort has highlighted the need to provide more students with access to career exploration opportunities.
• Community Expectations: Feedback from our community, particularly through our collaboration with Ford Next Generation Learning, has made it clear that there is a strong demand for expanding these programs. To meet this challenge, we must enhance our capacity and invest in the necessary facilities to offer students comprehensive career exploration before they graduate.
• State Requirements: The recent changes to the Indiana High School diploma requirements and accountability metrics from the Indiana Department of Education, such as Graduation Pathways Completion, College and Career Credentials, and College and Career Course Work underscore the importance of investing in these experiences. This investment is crucial for HSE Schools to maintain its standing as a top-performing school district.

While the specifics are still to be determined, as the Authorizer, HSE Schools and the HSE School Board of Trustees would have the following oversight and authority:

• Performance Monitoring: Overseeing the school's academic outcomes, financial health, and operational integrity.
• Collaboration: Working with the Innovation Network School's leadership to ensure alignment with the district's goals and priorities.
• Accountability: Holding OE accountable for delivering the outcomes outlined in their Innovation Network School Application.
• Charter Revocation: The authority to revoke the school's charter at any time if it fails to meet the terms of its charter, with a rigorous review process at the end of each charter term to determine renewal.

It is important to note that members of the joint board involved in this oversight will serve in a non-paid capacity. The positions on this board are strictly voluntary, focused on the successful oversight and governance of the Innovation Network School.

Students would apply to attend the Innovation Network School. By law, any eligible student who submits a timely application must be enrolled. Admission criteria may include ensuring that local students can attend, prioritizing siblings, and giving preference to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, if specified in the charter. If applications exceed available spaces, a random selection process must be used. The specific selection criteria will be determined as the partnership progresses and will align with legal requirements. HSE Schools and the Board of School Trustees will approve any selection criteria.

Yes, initially the Innovation Network School would serve only students residing within the HSE Schools’ boundary. However, as the school’s priorities evolve with community needs, the locally elected board and authorizer (HSE Schools) may approve the school to serve students from outside the district’s boundary.

This is still to be determined. Under the charter model, “funding follows the student.” However, under the Innovation Network School law, HSE Schools can provide goods and services, such as transportation and food service, at cost. Property taxes may supplement these services, and the agreement can be modified jointly. 

The staffing details for the Innovation Network School are still being determined. Innovation Network Teams have full operational autonomy over staffing decisions. Both HSE Schools and Opportunity Education are committed to providing innovative growth opportunities for teachers and students alike, with teacher involvement being crucial in shaping this partnership. Whether teachers at the Innovation Network School will be HSE Schools employees is also under consideration. According to the Innovation Network Schools law, employees are entitled to participate in the teacher's retirement fund, and sharing other HSE Schools benefits is being explored as the partnership progresses.

As a charter authorizer, HSE will help shape the educational landscape by ensuring that Opportunity Education’s school meets high academic standards, offers innovative educational opportunities, and contributes positively to the community.  

One option being considered is a partnership with Opportunity Education (OE). In addition, HSE High School is scheduled for renovation and may be able to hold some additional program classes, but space is a concern. HSE Schools also owns three properties that are being evaluated for this purpose, with or without an OE partnership. 

Teacher input is essential. If the partnership progresses, OE and HSE administration will engage teachers throughout the planning and implementation process. 

The Charter School Program grant is a one-time grant to support planning and implementation. However, HSE may pursue other state, federal, and private grants in the future. 

HSE Schools is the 5th lowest-funded school district in Indiana. Notably, several of our partner districts in The Pursuit Institute (TPI) are also underfunded: Carmel Clay ranks 3rd lowest, Westfield Washington 6th, and Noblesville 14th out of 351 districts. Each of these districts are developing select Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs on their campuses. Noblesville and Carmel, thanks to the age of their buildings, have some facility space for these programs. Meanwhile, Westfield is constructing new facilities to accommodate its projected growth, similar to Fishers’ growth in the early 2000s, and is benefiting from increased funding. 

When considering our collaboration with these districts, the "open seat" option through The Pursuit Institute becomes important. This option allows HSE students to take available seats in CTE programs at these partner schools if space remains after their own students enroll. However, we don't anticipate that these programs will have the capacity to meet the demand from HSE students. With strategic planning, HSE could build CTE programs of our own and potentially generate additional funding by offering these programs to students from neighboring communities should we choose to do so. 

For the 2024-2025 school year, HSE is projected to receive $114,901 in Perkins funding, which supports CTE programs by covering costs such as supplies, equipment, and teacher professional development. 

Last school year (2023-2024), HSE received $2,256,228 in State CTE Reimbursement. CTE programs are categorized into “high value,” “moderate value,” and “less than moderate value” based on workforce demand data. Each CTE program typically includes three courses with a capstone course, and these are funded at various levels, ranging from $200 to $680 per course. Capstone courses are funded as high as $1,020. For example, a "less than moderate value" program like cosmetology generates up to $600 per student per year, while a "high value" program like welding generates $2,040 per student per year. 

Of the $2,256,228 received last year, $554,193 was used to pay tuition to CTE program partners such as The Pursuit Institute, J. Everett Light, and ABC Prep Academy, reducing the funding available to HSE to $1,702,035. This remaining funding is used to cover teacher salaries and other program-related expenses. To give some context, HSE evaluated the cost of establishing a cosmetology program on two different properties, and the facility and equipment alone would have cost between $1.5 million and $2 million, not including property costs. 

Additionally, Indiana recently introduced Career Savings Accounts (CSAs), similar to tax-free 529 college savings accounts but for career training. These accounts can accumulate up to $5,000, and students can apply to use CSA funds toward their high school career education. Should HSE move forward with the partnership, leveraging CSAs could provide another funding source for CTE programs. 

The HSE School Board of Trustees, as the charter authorizer, has the authority to approve a charter operator based on the submitted charter application. 

Specific programs have not been determined yet. The programs will be developed based on student interest and workforce demand, following the framework established through the Ford Next Generation Learning process. 

Students enrolled full-time at the Innovation Network School may be allowed to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities at their home high schools, as permitted by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Additionally, full-time FHS and HHS students  will have access to any extracurricular activities established at the Innovation Network School. 

Yes, students can return to their home high school. The Innovation Network School’s curriculum will align with Indiana Department of Education standards, ensuring that transferring students meet the academic expectations of HSE. 

HSE and the Board of School Trustees will ensure the curriculum aligns with state and district standards. The charter operator will ensure that teachers develop lessons and instruction to meet all established learning targets. 

The HSE Board of School Trustees will serve as the authorizer, setting the vision and performance expectations. An appointed board, including local community stakeholders and possibly the HSE superintendent, will oversee the charter operator’s execution of the charter. These board members will not be compensated. 

HSE is committed to maintaining its existing CTE programs and instructors. A partnership with a charter operator could allow HSE to offer additional CTE programs not currently available in the district. 

This is still under discussion, but the Innovation Network School may offer students the option to receive a diploma from their home high school. 

The Innovation Network School could offer unique learning experiences that attract students back to HSE Schools, potentially increasing enrollment rather than reducing it. 

The specific financial commitment has not been determined. Current known costs include the administrative expenses associated with overseeing the partnership and coordinating with the charter operator. 

The structure is still being finalized. However, the Innovation Network School will have a principal and the necessary teaching staff to ensure students complete high school coursework and meet graduation requirements. 

The Innovation Network School’s performance will be factored into the district’s overall performance metrics. 

In this context, an authorizer letter serves as the equivalent of an RFP. 

The CCAs were designed to provide 21st-century learning environments but were not equipped to offer CTE programs, which require specific facilities and equipment as mandated by state law.  

It’s possible. Partnering with Opportunity Education could allow teachers to use OE-developed curriculum resources and instructional tools. 

REALITY: Attending the charter school would be entirely voluntary for students and parents. It will not be mandatory. 

REALITY: HSE Schools, through its collaboration with Ford Next Generation Learning, is committed to providing career exploration opportunities while still offering a strong educational foundation. These experiences allow students to prepare for a career, college, and/or military service after graduation. Parents and students will have complete autonomy in deciding what works best for them as they navigate their educational journey.   

REALITY: Every high school student, not just Innovation Network School students, will explore a career lens during their high school experience but this does not mean they must choose between college, a career, or military service. Additionally, current internship experiences ensure students are not “free labor,” with student voice guiding the learning experiences during their placements with employers. Some internships also provide paid opportunities. 

REALITY: All current CTE programs offered by HSE Schools, and many provided through external partnerships, are dual-credit courses taught by accredited teachers, often through Ivy Tech or Vincennes University. High school students earning industry certifications and credentials are also simultaneously considered college students, further demonstrating the rigor of these programs. 

REALITY: As the charter authorizer, HSE Schools defines the vision and performance outcomes for the school. The charter operator must submit a comprehensive plan detailing how these objectives will be met. Furthermore, this is not a for-profit partnership; the community’s vision, as established through collaboration with Ford Next Generation Learning, will guide the project. 

REALITY: HSE and the Board of School Trustees will have full access to, and oversight of, the financial operations of the Innovation Network School, ensuring transparency for the community as they are required to report their finances.  

REALITY: If HSE Schools were contracted to provide these services, they would be funded by student funding from the state of Indiana. 

REALITY: HSE Schools will not receive revenue through this partnership, but services provided will be funded as noted above. 

REALITY: Property acquisition and financial operations will be fully transparent. 

REALITY: Charter Schools/Innovation Network Schools under state law, must have open enrollment and cannot discriminate. They can serve specific student populations, but this decision would come from HSE Schools as the charter authorizer. 

REALITY: HSE Schools will have extensive oversight and accountability over the partner. Administration staff, under the direction of the school board, will execute oversight and management duties. 

REALITY: The community will play a role in guiding the school's vision and direction. 

REALITY: It is true that Charter Schools cannot unionize under the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association. However, by law, an Innovation Network School can form its own union. 

REALITY:  If HSE Schools provides these services, the district would be reimbursed by student funding from the state. 

REALITY: At this time, no local politicians are authorized to do so. 

REALITY: Such a donation would not align with Opportunity Education’s mission and vision, nor would it be sustainable to ensure ongoing opportunities for students.