Zionsville Newsletter January 2015 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

JANUARY 2015

EXPLAINING THE ABC’S OF ZCS’S FUNDING CRISIS

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PUBLISHER

22 / COVER STORY

EXPLAINING THE ABC’S OF ZCS’S FUNDING CRISIS

Tom Britt

tom@TownePost.com / 317-496-3599

BUSINESS MANAGER Neil Lucas

neil@atZionsville.com / 317-296-7800

Writer / Janelle Morrison Photographer / JJ Kaplan

VP OF SALES Lena Lucas

lena@atZionsville.com / 317-501-0418

CONTROLLER Jeanne Britt

jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Toni Folzenlogel

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alyssa Sander

This month’s cover features Dr. Scott Robison, ZCS’s superintendent, and the school’s CEO Mike Shafer in an effort to explain to the community the cause and proposed remedy for ZCS’s funding crises. As Dr. Robison explains, this is not just a ZCS problem but one effecting a number of suburban Indiana schools.

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Austin Vance

EDITORS

Allie Nash / Katelyn Bausman

JANUARY WRITERS

FEATURED

Janelle Morrison / Ray Compton Rebecca Wood / Bethann Buddenbaum

JANUARYPHOTOGRAPHERS JJ Kaplan / Jessica Strickland

SHOP LOCAL!

Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Zionsville Community Newsletter offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.

13 Zionsville’s Artic Eagles Hockey Club

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17 Eric Simpson Pastor to the Pros and the Community

33 Telsa Offers New Car Buying

ranching Out: Indiana Vein B Specialists

Experience

Wreath Event at Tudor Gardens

atZionsville.com

STORY SUBMISSIONS

Post your stories to TownePost.com or email to neil@atZionsville.com.

Business Spotlights are sponsored content.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 36097 / Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone: 317-823-5060 / Fax: 317-536-3030 The TownePost Community Newsletter Zionsville edition is published by Britt Interactive, LLC and written for and by local Zionsville area residents. Newsletters are distributed via direct mail to more than 8,000 Zionsville area homeowners and businesses each month.

atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 5

Indiana Vein Specialists 11876 Olio Rd., Suite 700 Fishers, Indiana 46037

10485 Commerce Drive, Suite 100 Carmel, Indiana 46032 317-348-3020 / FAX: 317.863.1237 indyveins.com/

BRANCHING OUT: INDIANA VEIN SPECIALISTS

Writer / Janelle Morrison

Dr. Jeffery Schoonover, Diplomate, American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, was one of the first physicians in the nation to be certified by this board in 2008. As a venous and lymphatic medicine specialist, Dr. Schoonover is dedicated to treating varicose vein disease and related disorders. He and his team at Indiana Vein Specialists are committed to providing minimally invasive treatment of venous

disease while caring for their patients as if they are members of the family. After graduating from Michigan State University, Dr. Schoonover served as a physician for four years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of major. Following his time in the Air Force, he went into private practice as a family physician. “I obtained additional training in varicose vein treatment because I found working with my patients with chronic

venous insufficiency or vein disease to be challenging,” Dr. Schoonover explained. “They had long-term swelling, chronic issues and some had wounds that wouldn’t heal.” Approximately 40 million Americans are affected by vein disease. Prior to the technological advancements in this field, there were only two treatment options available: long-term use of compression stockings or surgical vein stripping, an

6 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JANUARY 2015 / atZionsville.com

in-patient procedure with significant downtime and a high recurrence rate. In 2004, there was a tremendous change in the philosophy of the treatment of varicose veins as new technology was introduced. “An ultrasound guided laser now allows the doctor to go in and seal the faulty veins,” Dr. Schoonover said. Indiana Vein Specialists was one of the first practices in central Indiana to offer endovenous laser therapy with the newer 1470 nanometer wavelength system. This process uses laser wavelengths that targets the vein wall, resulting in less bruising and a quicker recovery. “Our group was the first to have that system and to use it,” Dr. Schoonover explained. “We also offer ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. That is an innovative way of taking care of the leftover branches following laser treatment. To treat those areas is key to long-term management of the disease.” The newest treatment development is using an injection of a prescription medication called Varithena® with ultrasound guidance to seal off the vein. “Again, we are one of the first offices in central Indiana to offer Varithena. We can treat the same segments that were traditionally treated with laser therapy and it is even less invasive,” Dr. Schoonover said. “The pendulum has clearly swung over to these minimally invasive treatments. Our patients can return to their normal activities quickly.” Indiana Vein Specialists opened their first office in Fishers in 2011, and with a growing need to have a second facility to meet the needs of patients, they opened their west Carmel office in August of 2014. Dr. Schoonover’s staff of 11 includes a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant. Dr. Schoonover resides in Carmel with his wife of 20 years, Kari, and their two sons, 15-year-old Erik and 9-year-old Kristian. atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 7

THE HEARTH AT TUDOR GARDENS ANNUAL “DECK THE HEARTH” EVENT Once again, The Hearth at the Tudor Gardens kicked off the holiday season with their annual “Deck the Hearth” silent auction wreath event on Dec. 6. While all the proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, it is also a great family experience for all ages.

There were 28 handmade wreaths donated by local Zionsville merchants and businesses. Santa Claus even made an appearance to allow the children one last chance to let me him know what they want for Christmas! This is always the highlight of the day! The event was accompanied by a variety of house made hors d’oevours by the

Hearth chefs including succulent prime rib sandwiches and delicious spinach artichoke dip.

“Deck the Hearth” has always been the main fundraising event for the annual Walk Against Alzheimer’s Disease hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association. The Hearth has a personal tie to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s as many of their residents have been diagnosed with the disease. The Hearth would like to thank the members of the Zionsville community that came out to bid on the wreaths and helped raise money for a worthy cause. The Hearth is already looking forward to what’s in store for next year!

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ZIONSVILLE’S ARTIC EAGLES HOCKEY CLUB

ZVille hockey coach Aaron Wallace

“I didn’t really know anything about what was going on in Indiana,” said Wallace. “I knew we had a guy named Bob as our goalie coach.”

Writer / Ray Compton Photos / JJ Kaplan

Eventually, Wallace learned a little about the diminutive, bespectacled coach. His last name was Kravitz as in Bob Kravitz. Yes, that Bob Kravitz, the former sports columnist for the Indianapolis Star and now current columnist/commentator for WTHR.

When Aaron Wallace returned to his Midwestern roots from the Arizona desert a few years ago, he rediscovered his lifelong passion of being around a sheet of ice and a bunch of hockey players.

“I really had no idea who Bob Kravitz was,” Wallace admitted. “But then I put two-andtwo together and realized he was the guy who everybody hated. He was kind of like a rock star.”

Wallace – a native of Michigan and a collegiate player in Wisconsin – joined the coaching staff of the Zionsville High School club hockey team, the Artic Eagles, three years ago. In looking back, Wallace knew very little about his players and even less about the team’s goaltending coach.

again be among the favorites for a state title in March. “This is the best team that I’ve coached,” assessed Wallace after his team finished 3-0-1 in a prestigious December tournament in South Bend. “We still have our core of players from last year and we have had some really, really nice players fill in.”

With six different high schools feeding into the Zionsville team many players have to travel for practice. A new leading player is freshman goaltender Logan Dickey, whose father journeys to the Westfield ice rink for practice from their home in Lebanon. A year ago, Dickey, 15, was playing youth Thus, the Wallace-Kravitz partnership was formed. Wallace took over as the head coach hockey at the Indiana State Fairgrounds of the Artic Eagles two seasons ago and Coliseum. Now, he is facing wicked slap the Wallace-Kravitz pairing helped propel shots from potential future college players. Zionsville to the 3A state championship last March. Team Zionsville peeled out to a It is Kravitz who provides tutoring for his 21-3-2 start this season and are projected to young netminder.

atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 13

Zionsville players with coach - left to right: Max Warr, Kevin Anderson, Coach Aaron Wallace, Thomas Warr, Danny Mateja and Chandler Horton.

“Logan loves Bob,” said Eric Dickey of his son. “He listens to everything that Bob says. He has a lot of respect for him.”

laments a second rebound goal sacrificed at 1:08 left in the game. Yes, he remembered the exact time.

And so does Wallace, who turns to Kravitz for tips on handling the minds of goaltenders.

“It was my greatest thrill as an athlete,” he said. “I was a flopper and probably went down too quick. But I loved goaltending.”

“He gives me his honest opinion,” Wallace said. “Sometimes I can be quick to jump on goaltenders and Bob will me to calm down.”

And he now loves his duties for the Artic Eagles, including guiding Dickey, who has had to fast forward his playing career after senior Jack Sigman led Zionsville to the 2014 state championship. “He [ Jack] played lights out for us,” remembered Kravitz. “He was a stone wall for us in the tournament.”

Although his hockey skills are mostly unknown by Hoosiers, Kravitz confronted bullets to the five-hole several years before he collided with former Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian. His hockey game in Indiana has been limited to the club team at Indiana University and the huffing and puffing adult leagues in Indianapolis. But as a high school junior, the now 54-yearold Kravitz was the starting goalie for the New Trier team that won the Illinois state championship. “I threw up on the way to the rink,” recalled Kravitz on his confrontation with Homewood-Flossmoor at a suburban Chicago arena. “But during warm-up, the puck looked like a giant beach ball. The coach told me that he needed me and I was ready.” Included on the playing resume was a dramatic stop on a three-on-zero breakaway for Homewood-Flossmoor. New Trier eventually won, 10-1, and Kravitz still

Wallace has noticed a coaching shift this season. “I believe Bob tried to stay out of the way with Jack,” Wallace said. “He was kind of like saying ‘let’s go get them, Jack.’ But Bob has been able to really sink his teeth into helping Logan. It made him excited. We are lucky to have him.” However, the writer turned coach downplays his additions to the team and player. “It’s been fun watching Logan,” said Kravitz. “He didn’t always stay down on the puck but now he’s breaking that habit. “I really don’t feel that I have that much to offer. I get more from the kids than I give them. I can be a sounding board.

I really enjoy being here.” And the Artic Eagles enjoy their highflying status in high school club circles. Their accomplishments went a notch higher after the impressive showing in South Bend, which included one outdoor game. The tie was against a powerful Penn team, which could again be looming in state competition. Both Zionsville and Penn will learn their classification on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1, when a hockey board assigns teams to different classes based on their regular season marks. Top tier teams play in 5A. “We would like to get a chance to be in 5A,” Wallace said. “We could be 4A but we believe we can compete at 5A.” The Artic Eagles have speed in senior forward Max Warr and his brother Thomas, whom Wallace says “is the best sophomore player I’ve seen.” Seniors Danny Mateja and Kevin Anderson join the Warr brothers up front, while junior Chandler Horton anchors the defense. Meanwhile, when state tourney arrives, Kravitz will step away from the computer and cameras and saddle up to Wallace on the team bench. “I will be here as long as they have me,” he said. Expect that to be a while, Coach Kravitz.

14 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JANUARY 2015 / atZionsville.com

IN THE CREASE WITH BOB KRAVITZ: DID YOU GIVE A THOUGHT TO PLAYING COLLEGE HOCKEY WITH AN NCAA TEAM? “Not really. I had a chance at a Division III team, but I knew I was destined to be a journalist.”

DID YOU EVER GET INTO A FIGHT WHILE PLAYING GOALTENDER? “Once. In New York, we were ahead, 8-0, and I whacked a guy who was in the crease. Both benches cleared.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HOCKEY? “I love the speed and the passion of the game.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ABOUT HOCKEY? “The 1972 summer series between Russia and Canada. I remember watching it on a black and white television.”

DO YOU WATCH NHL GAMES? “Whenever I can. I like to watch the [Colorado] Avalanche games.”

DO YOU WISH INDIANAPOLIS HAD AN NHL FRANCHISE? “I wish it every day. But it just wouldn’t work.”

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RANJ PUTHRAN “HELPING HANDS AWARD” CONGRATULATIONS TO BRETT SEACH, OUR OVERALL WINNER OF THE HELPING HANDS AWARD FOR 2014!

BRETT SEACH Brett was our monthly winner in July. He is an IMPD detective that while battling cancer organized the annual 911 Slugfest boxing match event between IMPD and IFD. This event raises money for the Make a Wish Foundation. Congratulations Brett on your great work on behalf of the Make A Wish Foundation and being the overall 2014 Zionsville Helping Hands Award Winner!

Congrats to our 2014 overall winner brett seach! RANJ PUTHRAN AGENCY Thank you for making a To nominate someone go to difference in Facebook.com/Ranjputhranhelpinghands or ranjitputhran@allstate.com . 317-844-4683 our community 16 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JANUARY 2015 / atZionsville.com

Simpson says every NFL team has a chaplain, but team owners and coaches determine the chaplain’s role and availability with the team. He praises Colts owner Jim Irsay, general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano for being supportive of the chaplain’s involvement with the team. “They say, ‘We want you around and involved, and we value your help,’” Simpson said. “I don’t take that support for granted. I think it’s pretty special when you have that level of support from the top down. They recognize the value in building into young men’s lives beyond how they perform on the field.”

ERIC SIMPSON: PASTOR TO THE PROS AND THE COMMUNITY MINISTERING THE TEAM

Writer / Rebecca Wood Photographer / Jessica Strickland

Zionsville Pastor Eric Simpson stands on the sidelines during Indianapolis Colts’ games. It’s a coveted spot offering an unobstructed view of the playing field. For many, this experience would evoke a flurry of excitement. Simpson, however, discusses those moments with a level of normalcy. His voice lacks fanfare. His expression remains calm.

For the last 19 years, Simpson has acted in the voluntary position of Colts Chaplain. He shares this responsibility with local evangelist Ken Johnson. Simpson says his role with the team isn’t rooted in a passion for football, but rather in a love for people.

“I enjoy football, but I do this more out of a calling for the spiritual development But when the conversation turns to the spiritual transformation and growth of those of people; it’s anchored in that,” Simpson within the Indianapolis Colts’ organization, said. Simpson becomes animated. Kendra Simpson, Simpson’s wife, adds, “I think a big reason Eric is such a good Simpson is an Indianapolis Colts Chaplain chaplain is that he truly cares about the and Lead Pastor at Eagle Church. He players. It does not matter that they are refers to himself as “Lead Servant,” and professional athletes. What matters to Eric he considers it a privilege to serve the is that they are growing in the Lord and Colts’ community, Eagle Church and the being challenged in their faith.” Zionsville populace.

Simpson and Johnson maintain a heavy presence with the team. “I try to get a clear picture from coach Pagano about what message he wants to see consistently delivered to the team, and then my role as a chaplain is to see in God’s word how can I reinforce that message,” said Simpson. The duo lead a weekly Bible study for players and an additional weekly study for coaches. They conduct a chapel service the night before each game. Simpson estimates that half the coaches and players typically participate in those services. Simpson attends every home game and about 80 percent of away games. “Game day involves a lot of praying,” Simpson says. Pregame, Simpson floats around the locker room praying with an average of 25-30 players who request individual prayers. Before the team runs out onto the field, the players huddle together and offer up one more collective prayer. During the game, Simpson stands on the sidelines and assists with warming up punter Pat McAfee, and he continues to pray. He says players approach him periodically during play to request additional prayers. If an injury occurs, Simpson is there to pray with and support that player and player’s family. At the game’s conclusion, Simpson joins the team and team opponents on the field for a final prayer. Per NFL etiquette, the

atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 17

PATHWAY TO THE MINISTRY

Simpson says he was raised in a loving but unchurched home in Newton, Iowa. As a high school student, his then girlfriend, now wife, invited him to church.

Eric with Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano and Quarterbacks Coach Clyde Christensen

home team leads the prayer. “It’s neat to see players who were beating on each other for hours, grabbing hands, kneeling and saying we’re brothers in Christ,” says Simpson.

Simpson says his favorite part of his role as chaplain is the relationships he grows with those within the Colts organization. “It’s been 19 years of life together,” he said.

Postgame, the team recites the Lord’s Prayer at the conclusion of Coach Pagano’s talk.

Hunter Smith, former punter for the Indianapolis Colts, appreciates how Simpson makes relationships with everyone within the Colts organization.

Beyond game day responsibilities, the chaplains offer spiritual mentorship, discipleship and counseling for those within the organization. Simpson has assisted with numerous marriage ceremonies and funerals.

“Though he’s only been asked to minister to players and coaches, you will see Eric having conversations at all levels of the organization,” Smith said. “Eric sees souls, not titles.”

“I was in high school, and I didn’t know what Good Friday was; I kinda knew about Easter,” he admits. At the age of 17, thanks to a nurturing youth pastor, Simpson became a Christian. Simpson enrolled at Iowa State University and earned a business administration degree. Upon graduation, Simpson accepted a position with Eli Lilly & Company and relocated to Indianapolis. Within a few months of his move, Simpson joined Eagle Church, a start up church on the west side of Indianapolis with less than 100 attendees. Simpson spent all of his free time serving the church.

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Simpson confesses that although he enjoyed his position at Lilly, he was feeling more alive outside of work and in the ministry. In 1994, Simpson was still working for Lilly when then Lead Pastor Kerry Bowman offered him an Associate Pastor role within the church. “He said, ‘By the way, we can’t pay you,’” Simpson laughs. “I’ve never been part of a job interview where there is no pay involved.” Simpson agreed to pray about the position. A few months later, the pastor offered some pay, and Simpson accepted the job. He refers to his transition from Lilly to the pastorate as a “holy crazy” moment. “Sometimes God asked us to do something that doesn’t make sense; that’s the crazy part,” Simpson said. “It was crazy looking on the outside. Why would you walk away from such a successful young career? Many said I was crazy. But I knew that was what God was calling me to do.” Kendra was on board with her husband’s decision to leave Lilly and join Eagle Church. “When the opportunity arose, I knew in my heart this was something I could see him doing.”

“I enjoy football, but I do this more out of a calling for the spiritual development of people; it’s anchored in that.” —Eric Simpson

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When Simpson started with Eagle Church, the church was housed in a west side office building. Simpson recalls walking into his makeshift office on the first day of his job. Pinned to his desk chair was a note that read “Welcome Pastor Eric.” “I stood there and stared at the chair,” said Simpson. “It was the first time I’d ever seen pastor attached to my name. I was a bit overwhelmed and humbled.” Simpson spent the next seven years working at the church while simultaneously attending seminary and becoming ordained in his church.

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MINISTRY IN ZIONSVILLE

Meanwhile, Eagle Church was growing. Attendance had blossomed to 300-400 people, and the church was outgrowing its space. In 1998, to accommodate the larger congregation, the church purchased 94 acres of land in Boone County. Simpson calls the purchase a “congregational holy crazy” moment. “It was a very large vision for a small group of people,” Simpson says. “When we moved up here, it was in the middle of a cornfield. We believed this was the land God gave us.” In 2000, Eagle Church’s 82,000-square-foot Boone County facility was complete. Within the last 14 years, attendance has ballooned to 600-700. Simpson prays the church continues to grow and reaches the unchurched within Boone County and neighboring areas. “We’re holy crazy enough to believe God can double our outreach,” Simpson says. In 2013, Simpson accepted the job of Lead Pastor.

Kaylynn, Eric, Kendra and Lilly Simpson

ZIONSVILLE HOME

Simpson, his wife Kendra, and daughters Lilly, 14, and Kaylynn, 9, have called Zionsville home since 2003. “I’m really grateful the Lord led us to Zionsville,” Simpson asserts. “I’m grateful our church home is here. I can’t think of a better place to raise our kids.”

Simpson continues, “I drove to Indianapolis with a car with three boxes in the back seat knowing one person in Indianapolis, and I land in the best suburb. I get to pastor in a church and live here; my kids get to go to school here. Who would have thought that 22 years ago? Jesus is so good at guiding lives.”

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EXPLAINING THE ABC’S OF ZCS’S FUNDING CRISIS

Writer / Janelle Morrison Photos / JJ Kaplan

ccording to the superintendents of several large suburban school districts, Indiana’s current school funding formula jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of their schools. Despite a common misconception, the presence or absence of robust commercial development within these communities plays no more a part in the schools’ funding

crisis than the day of the week affects the day’s weather pattern. As a result, school systems in communities that have experienced explosive commercial development in the past few years, such as Carmel and Fishers, are suffering from the same financial shortfalls as Zionsville.

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CEO Mike Shafer and Superintendent Dr. Scott Robison

So why are the schools in some of the state’s most affluent communities, paradoxically, experiencing a funding shortfall while school systems in other areas of the state are doing much better? More importantly, what are the respective superintendents doing to alleviate the problem?

there are a number of us who are actually getting far less money that we really need to survive and operate.”

Shafer continued his explanation of the funding formula. “In our particular case, we are getting the least amount of complexity money per pupil in the entire state of Indiana. When you look at To find answers to these questions, I recently sat down with Scott the total amount of money per pupil, we are tied for third least. Robison and Mike Shafer, the superintendent and the CFO, School corporations like Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Southwest respectively, for the Zionsville Community Schools. Allen, Hamilton Southeastern, etc., we are all pretty much down at the bottom receiving several hundred dollars, per pupil, less In order to understand the funding problem, it is helpful to have at than the state average as a result of the issues with the way that least a general understanding of how schools are funded in Indiana. the funding formula is set up and how it operates. If you multiply Indiana’s school funding is a complex arrangement where specific $800 per pupil, which is the ballpark we’re talking about for us funds are created and they are typically restricted for specific that we’re below that state average by, times our enrollment, which uses by law. For example, a school’s ability to use its general fund is 6,200, then you see right away that the difference is around $5 money for costs associated with capital improvements such as new million a year for us. That is also the approximately amount of the buildings or their upgrade is generally prohibited. Likewise, local last referendum that we did. The funding formula causes a funding property taxes generally cannot be contributed to increase the short fall, which forces us to go back to a referendum to be able to general fund. make ends meet. In regards to federal funding, we get about $30 per pupil and in contrast IPS gets about $2,200. The high poverty “We are the one of the lowest funded school districts in the state school districts receive much more money from the [Indiana] of Indiana,” Robison explained. “We’re talking about the general funding formula and are getting more money from the federal fund, the life blood fund that pays for teachers and the core mission. government than Zionsville is getting from the state. Additionally, Because of the funding formula we do not receive anything more they are receiving over $2,000 per pupil in complexity money than a bit above the foundation level. The foundation level is not a while Zionsville is getting approximately $120.” sustainable budget for a school district.” The previous referendum was passed in 2012. It is a threeShafer explained even further. year referendum that finishes with the last tax distribution in December of 2015. “The funding formula [for the general fund], as it is currently set up, is made up of two major components,” Shafer said. “One of “Obviously, we are hoping for legislative change to the funding them is that foundation that Dr. Robison referred to and is equal to formula in an effort to reduce the size of or eliminate any future about 80 percent of the funding that goes to school corporations referenda,” Robison said. “The members of this community statewide. The other piece is a variable piece called the ‘complexity pay a disproportionately high share of income and sales taxes. grant’ that is designed to provide about 20 percent of the money When those monies go into the state funding formula, they get that goes to school corporations. However, it [complexity grant] redistributed and we get among the lowest shares. We don’t suspect is variable so each school corporation gets a different amount of that we’re ever going to see the exact same amount for every money and therefore a different percentage of financing from that school district and we don’t believe that we should. We believe complexity piece. The way that the funding formula is set up, that in differentiation of funding for districts in poverty; however, works for the majority of the school corporations in the state but the skew has become so absurd that it leaves schools like Carmel atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 23

near last and a lot of communities around Indiana that pay a disproportionately high share in, can’t make ends meet. They have to lay off teachers and cut programs, and it creates great instability.” The shortfalls from the current funding formula are impacting programs that Zionsville offers students. “We had to cut our elementary science special program, our elementary physical education, some of our music and art programs, library science at the elementary levels and some at the middle level,” said Robison. “We lost our international baccalaureate program at the high school level. The IB program is a program that turns the heads of college admissions folks. Something that we’d like to have that we don’t currently and what is becoming a staple in Indiana is Project Lead the Way. This is very much an engineer-aimed town. We have a lot of engineers that live here and have children in our schools and yet this world-class level, pre-engineering program is unavailable to our students because we can’t staff and pay for it because of our general fund scarcity. “Zionsville is a relatively affluent community with a very poor government entity in its schools. There are so many rules and regulations related to those funds that come and they receive among the lowest per pupil in the state and the only way at law, that they can elevate that is to go back to the taxpayers and do a referendum for that when the taxpayers are already paying among the highest shares of income and sales taxes in the state and that is a paradoxical situation to be in.” With respect to the misconception of this being a commercial tax base issue, Robison stated, “Back in the day when, by law, the school funding formula included a levy piece that was in local property taxes, we floated our own boat to the tune of about 6465 percent every year,” Robison said. “The state kick-in was 30-35 percent, and while we were fine in that regard, it did foster higher taxes than in most places. Then we got tax reform that set that 1 percent cap, 2 percent and 3 percent and take all of that I just said about property taxes and throw it out the window because we’re no longer talking about property taxation. It is now illegal to have property taxes in your general fund unless you go the ballot. We’re handcuffed with this money that comes through the redistribution of which we get amongst the smallest shares.” In order to fix the problem, Robison outlined several measures that he and similarly situated superintendents are undertaking. “We’re going to be reaching out to all of our special groups in the schools, the booster clubs and the folks that are active in our schools and begin educating them, again. We did this before when we went through our referendum about why this is happening and so we’re going to educate them as the session gets started. We do have a website that is up, indianaschoolfunding.org, and it has some key documents and facts that people may want to review. We will have activities with small groups learning about this

and will be asking for some folks to do letter writing to contact legislatures and so on.” In May, Robison and Shafer convened with representatives from 30 school districts from around the state to introduce the “Indiana Fix-It Coalition” initiative. “We found that going in and speaking with legislators on our own just as a couple of guys from Zionsville, legislators would have that perplexed look like ‘well you’re from Zionsville so why would we need to talk to you?’” Robison explained. “Many of the legislators didn’t even know, in detail, about how the funding formula impacted us so Mike and I determined that we needed some geographic diversity, folks from other towns who are in a similar condition and that’s why we have Batesville, Avon, Center Grove, Brownsburg, Southwest Allen and Northwest Allen County, Munster, Fairfield, Porter County Schools, etc., involved so that this is spread around a bit.” “Currently, there are 41 school corporations in the state that are affected just like us,” Shafer pointed out. “Those are the people who we see as our natural allies and are attempting to enlist them into our coalition. They are the school corporations that will be benefited if we can get a fix in the funding formula.” “We’ve proposed three solutions,” Robison said. “Mike Shafer from our district and Mike Reuter, CFO of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, have worked with Chris Himsel, superintendent of Northwest Allen County schools to develop three proposed solutions. One solution is a performance grant, the second is to create a floor on the complexity grant and the third is reform of the complexity grant that elevates the outlierlow funded school districts without harming others.” “We looked at the school corporations and we plotted the amount of money that each school corporation receives on a per pupil basis versus their ISTEP scores,” Shafer explained. “Not that we’re big proponents of ISTEP, but it is a uniform benchmark where you can get data across the board for all of the schools in the state and one of things, ironically, when we’re talking about the schools that are disproportionately underfunded you’re also talking about schools, that for the most part, are high performers. The highest performers in the state are those that are worst affected by this problem with the funding formula. If you take the top 25 performers in ISTEP, 21 of them are in this group.” “One of our best allies in this effort is Scott Fadness, the new mayor of Fishers,” Robison said. “Fadness has essentially said that he doesn’t want to be the mayor of a town that has a declining school district. He knows that attracting business and continuing to prosper as Fishers has really depends on excellent schools. Several Hamilton county mayors and town/city councilors support the schools in these efforts.” According to Robison, if the school funding formula is not

24 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JANUARY 2015 / atZionsville.com

“ We are one of the lowest funded school districts in the state of Indiana. We’re talking about the general fund, the life blood fund that pays for teachers and the core mission. Because of the funding formula, we do not receive anything more than a bit above the foundation level. The foundation level is not a sustainable budget for a school district.” — Scott Robison changed by the legislature future class sizes will skyrocket again and the schools will have to be back in the decisionmaking process of what will they have to cut. Will they cut additional world language programs, as they lost German the last time they were here? “We’ve been here before,” Robison warned. “We closed our science labs at high school because our class sizes were so large that we didn’t meet the safety requirements for doing experiments. We must contemplate class sizes that skyrocket and programmatic decisionmaking. When we lose staff, which programs will that impact?” Shafer explained the simple economics of the situation. “Without a legislative fix, Zionsville will continue to see a decreasing amount of money per pupil, through 2018,” Shafer concluded. “This year we lost $83.48 per pupil, and over the next two years, we will lose about the same amount, each year, so when you add that up over three years, that is $250 a student and then multiply that by the 6,500 students that we’ll have then, we’re talking about real money.” The money also impacts teachers. “The delta that marks the territory between our current per pupil funding and the state average is $832 for 2015. That’s about $5.2 million, 75-80 teachers.” Robison calculated. “What could we do if we had the resources to put into these classrooms? We believe that differentiation of funding is appropriate and necessary, but the skew has become so broad that we’re down to a level that we can’t operate and offer programs that students in this community deserve.” atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 25

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Murder He Wrote

ZIONSVILLE CARDIOLOGIST PENS MURDER MYSTERY NOVELS Since Janeira began commuting, he has written three medical mystery novels. All Cardiac electrophysiologist Louis Janeira three are self-published under the pen name believes similarities exist between doctors of “Jan Eira.” His books appear in print and detectives. He said both professions “Part of the discussion with Jane was I either and in e-book form. His third book, “Still,” explore unknowns and solve “whodonits.” sit behind the wheel four hours a day totally is based on a fictitious Zionsville family While detectives may investigate perpetrators bored out of my mind and unproductive or I composed of a police detective, physician of crime, doctors explore perpetrators of get a driver where I can become productive, and a Zionsville high school student. disease. This parallel may explain why Janeira and that idea was much more appealing,” writes medical mystery novels. Janeira derives some of his stories from Janeira asserts. medical procedures and surgeries he’s Janeira never aspired to be an author. He performed. “I thought we do this for this Every morning, a driver shuttles Janeira enjoyed his medical practice; he didn’t think to and from Terre Haute. Janeira refers to good,” Janeira says. “What if we use this for he’d find anything more fulfilling, until he evil intents? What would come of that?” this as “me time.” He devotes an hour of discovered writing. “I always thought I was this time to “doctor things,” like reading a scientist, but there was a creative side to His wife admits some of the storylines are patient tests, dictating charts and perusing me that I never knew was there, and that I’m medical journals. Janeira used to spend his a bit creepy. “I’m thinking I can’t believe having a wonderful time exploring!” this is the same person I know,” Crawfordremaining travel time devouring mystery Janeira maintains. “He is such a tender novels, but then he thought about writing Writing murder mystery novels takes and gentle spirited person. It was sort of his own books. time. So, how does one busy cardiologist, comical. I thought it was so interesting he husband and father find time to write thought that way.” “After reading so many of these, I thought, books? ‘I bet I could come up with interesting medical stories that I could write up and see To improve his skills, Janeira attended The answer rests in a four-hour daily commute. how it goes,’” Janeira declares. a couple of writing seminars. He credits the course “How to Write Fiction for Janeira works with Providence Medical Writing became Janeira’s creative outlet and Physicians,” taught by physician novelists Group in Terre Haute. When he accepted Michael Palmer and Tess Garrison, as means of escape. this position four years ago, he and his wife providing a great deal of guidance and Jane Crawford-Janeira didn’t want to leave direction. The seminar pointed out mistakes “It puts me into a different world,” Janeira their Zionsville home. The couple agreed says. “I can almost feel my creative neurons he was making in his writing. that in order to stay in Zionsville, Janeira working. It puts me in a state where I can would endure a lengthy daily commute. The relax and sort of get away from life.” “When I first started writing, I thought, Writer / Rebecca Wood

question was how could he maximize that drive time so as to protect family time when Janeira arrived home.

atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 27

‘I’ll write these books and incorporate in there lessons about heart disease,” Janeira declares. “Michael Palmer’s first words were ‘don’t teach,’ because he knows that doctors like to teach. He said don’t use your fiction to teach. By my third book, there is none of that in all.”

Zionsville so his wife could return to her Indianapolis hometown.

man.” He is father to three children: Brian (age 25), Adam (age 22), and Ellie (age 8).

“I just love it here. I love the people. I love the town,” Janeira gushes. “I love how I can be close to a big city, but live out in the country.”

Currently, Janeira is working on a medical science fiction trilogy catered to the young adult reader. The books, entitled “Traveler’s Secrets,” are again set in Zionsville. The plot centers on future teens’ attempts to eradicate an overpowering epidemic of heart disease. Janeira says the books are mostly finished, but he is still perfecting an “impactful” conclusion.

Janeira refers to himself as a “big family

Janeira says if he could become a successful writing, he’d retire from medicine. Until then, he’s content to be the doctor who writes, or is he a writer who practices medicine?

Janeira’s newest projects involve playwriting. After taking several play write courses at Marian University, Janeira converted his original books into plays. Janeira is shopping around for homes for his plays. “Feeling of getting a play of mine on stage will be very intense,” Janeira gushes.

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Janeira was born in a small town in Portugal. From an early age, he expressed an interest in being a doctor. His parents, a teacher and a postmaster, wanted to fund this dream, but didn’t have the means to support such a lofty goal. So his parents moved to the United States for better employment opportunities when Janeira was 6 years old. Janeira and his brother were left under the care of his grandparents. At 15, Janeira graduated from high school. He moved to the United States and reunited with his parents. At the age of 16, Janeira enrolled in Rutgers University. Upon graduation, he attended Rutgers Medical School. He completed his residency and fellowship training in New Jersey. Janeira’s first job was in Evansville. “I loved Evansville,” Janeira asserts. “New Jersey has positive things, but not a good place to live or raise a family.”

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“It takes a lot more touch points and knowledge to sell our vehicles,” said Tesla communications manager Will Nicholas, explaining why the company chooses to control the sale of its vehicles rather than turn it over to a third-party dealership. This choice has caused Tesla some trouble in states such as Texas, Arizona, Michigan and New Jersey. Legislators in these states have blocked the company from opening shop specifically because they do not involve a dealer in the sales process. Indiana had no such hesitation in welcoming Tesla, as the Fashion Mall location was Tesla’s first Midwest store. Visitors to Tesla’s store will find a buying experience that is completely different from a traditional car purchase. Demonstration Model S vehicles are parked in the showroom. Test drives are available. But, you will have to wait three to four months for the car to show up in your driveway. Each car is made to order in Tesla’s Fremont, California, manufacturing plant, which churns out an average of 2,000 vehicles per month. Customers purchasing a new Tesla have one model from which to choose. Everything else is all about the options. The average selling price of a Tesla Model

atZionsville.com / JANUARY 2015 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 33

A view of the Model S body in the Tesla store.

S in North America is in the $90,000 range (including a $7,500 federal tax incentive for EV purchases). This figure is comprised of the $69,900 base price plus customization. The most popular upgrade is to the 85 kWh battery vehicle, which provides a range of 230 miles; an equivalent of 88 mpg in the city and 90 mpg on the highway. If your Tesla is used primarily as a commuter car and to get you around town during the week, it’s likely that you don’t need the extended battery life. But it’s tough to let go of the fear of being stranded on the roadside

standing beside an electric vehicle with a gas all-wheel drive vehicle is the world’s first dual electric motor production car. Each can in hand. axle on the P85D has its own dedicated motor, which acts independently and Hoosier drivers will want to consider the controls torque to the front and rear wheels. Subzero Weather option package. This What this means for drivers is unparalleled package contains everything that you need traction control and 0 – 60 in 3.2 seconds, to make cold weather driving tolerable: a which makes the Model S P85D the fastest heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a windscreen wiper de-icer and heated wiper four-door car in the world. nozzels. The launch of P85D also introduces Tesla’s new Autopilot feature. Besides warning The Tesla pricing structure is very drivers when they exceed the prevailing simple. Whether you walk into a store in speed limit, once the signal is turned on and Indianapolis, Los Angeles or Miami, it’s all the car deems it safe to do so, Autopilot will the same price and customer experience. The only difference that customers will pay change lanes for the driver. These are just from location to location is registration and early capabilities for the hardware. Adaptive cruise control will be added before the taxes. You won’t get the hard sell on option close of 2014 and self-parking is slated for packages, either. Tesla does not incentivize upsizing with its sales staff, so their primary addition next year. concern is getting you in a vehicle that fits These are the last major feature updates your needs and budget. expected between now and the release of Tesla’s more affordable crossover vehicle, Look for the P85D, Tesla’s latest Model S the Model X, in 2017. version, to arrive in stores this month. This

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JANUARY LOCAL EVENTS

29 / PROJECT FEEDERWATCH AT ZION NATURE CENTER

Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers and other locales in North America. Participants periodically count the birds they see at their feeders through early April. The data they collect help scientists track winter bird populations. Join us on the weekends this winter and help us identify and count the birds that come to our feeders. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 12-5 p.m. Sundays Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech St., Zionsville 317-873-8950 or zionsville-in.gov

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Relax on this crisp winter morning with a cup of coffee and our feathered friends. Coffee is provided, but please bring your favorite mug. Register by emailing naturecenter@zionsville-in.gov or 317-873-8950. 9-10 a.m. / Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech St., Zionsville / 317-873-8950 or zionsville-in.gov

Zion Nature Center hosts Mark Booth of Take Flight Wildlife Education and his magnificent birds of prey. Hawks, owls, falcons and other raptors have long held our imagination. See what it is like to be hawk-eyed or falconfast by meeting these magnificent predators up close and hearing the stories of our shared history. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of Zion Nature Center. Ages 5 years and up. 1-2 p.m. / Community Room, Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. / 317-873-8950 or zionsville-in.gov

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