HSE responds to 'toxic work environment' complaint, union battle continues

Leaders of Hamilton Southeastern Schools are denying allegations that they created a “toxic work environment” as documented in an unfair labor complaint from the teachers’ union.

The Hamilton Southeastern Teachers’ Association filed the complaint in May.

Attorneys for the district responded to the complaint on July 19 after the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board allowed them more time. The response was originally due on July 2.

That complaint stems from conversations and interactions between Abby Taylor, the union’s president, and Brian Murphy, the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources and a recent hire by new Superintendent Pat Mapes.

Taylor contends Murphy created a hostile work environment through “aggressive” messaging, among other claims.

In response to the complaint, HSE frequently denies how interactions were characterized by the union and most other allegations, including one involving Indiana’s House Speaker Todd Huston.

The union alleged that Murphy asked that Taylor be fired from her position or he would involve Huston who lives in Fishers. The school district denies how those conversations were described in the complaint.

“To say that we misinterpret something is kind of a slap in the face to teachers and the way that they're being treated across our district,” Taylor said.

Both parties met this week to set future hearing dates. IEERB will eventually determine if HSE leaders committed an unfair labor practice.

The process will continue in October, Taylor said. HSEA is open to settling the complaint although Taylor was concerned about the district's lack of ownership in the alleged actions.

That could delay or squash any potential resolution, she said.

“Our members are definitely frustrated,” Taylor said. “Why is the district choosing to not own this and own Brian Murphy's actions.”

Taylor said HSE has still not started a formal investigation into her workplace claims. HSE had no comment.

Since filing the complaint, tensions between district leaders and educators are on display. School board meetings over the last few months were filled with educators and community members. Earlier this month, Mapes spoke before HSE’s school board and delivered a message seemingly responding to the union’s ongoing conversations about working conditions.

“If we've employed people who do not want to serve students and put their own agenda in front of a mission to educate students then those people should leave our district because we're here to serve students,” Mapes said.

Rachel Fradette is the WFYI Statehouse education reporter. Contact Rachel at rfradette@wfyi.org.