Noblesville Superintendent Hile delivers first State of the Schools address

Stony Creek Elementary students presented their STEAM (science, engineering, technology, art, math) projects to the public. Here Stony Creek fifth graders show Dr. Hile their robotics before the event starts. (Photos provided by Noblesville Schools)

Posted By: The Reporter October 27, 2022

District announces plans to renovate STEM & performing arts spaces at NHS

Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel G. Hile presented his inaugural State of the Schools address Wednesday at the Noblesville Schools Community Center. The annual luncheon was hosted by the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and covered a wide variety of topics ranging from academics to finances to construction projects.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel G. Hile presents his inaugural State of the Schools address at the Oct. 26 Noblesville Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Noblesville Chamber of Commerce president Bob DuBois introduces Dr. Hile.

Hile opened the presentation, themed “Going Places,” with several examples of the district’s academic excellence including:

  • “A” rating from the Indiana Department of Education.
  • National recognition for Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (STEM), Advanced Placement (AP), and music education.
  • First-in-the-nation educator apprenticeship program for high school students.
  • Noblesville High School (NHS) student one of only four in state named to Governor’s STEM Council.
  • Top 10 percent performer on ILEARN and SAT testing.
  • State leader in workforce development initiatives including the largest high school internship program in the state with 275 students and more than 160 businesses.
  • NHS graduates are among highest scholarship and advanced college credit earners in the state. The Class of 2022 earned a record-setting $6.3 million in scholarships.
  • The district’s alternative education program, Millers Success Academy, is showing a 94.7 percent graduation rate for students who were previously at risk of dropping out of school.

The district used the address as an opportunity to announce upcoming plans to renovate STEM and performing arts spaces at Noblesville High School due to significant ongoing growth in these programs.

The speech also touched on the district’s commitments to safety and mental health, with over 50 safety and 30 mental health enhancements made thanks to funding from the 2018 referendum. Additionally, Noblesville Schools is one of only a few districts in the state with School Resource Officers in every building.

The Miller Man, assisted by NHS senior and Noblesville Schools Education Foundation intern Jack Beahrs, was on hand to welcome guests. (Photo provided by Noblesville Schools)

Regarding finances, the district reported that the total property tax rate is expected to decrease for the fourth year in a row. The schools are in good financial health with a balanced budget, an increased credit rating, and secure savings.

Hile also noted that referendums are a critical component of Indiana school funding and that the current operating referendum is set to expire in 2026. He emphasized the district’s commitment to being a transparent and responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

Labor shortages and competitive compensation continue to be major challenges for the schools. The district currently has over 40 support staff positions, like instructional assistants and custodians, that they are unable to fill. Noblesville Schools is the largest employer in Noblesville.

Hile also reported that the spread of false school information continues to be a challenge and encouraged the public to seek information through the district’s website, board meetings, official district social media and local news media. He stated that he is committed to transparency and invited the public to contact school staff, including him directly, regarding any school questions or concerns.

NHS jazz students performed at the event. (Photo provided by Noblesville Schools)

Updates on several construction projects were covered, all of which will be funded through bonds (loans) and will not use referendum dollars or raise the tax rate.

  • The grand opening of the new Beaver Stadium took place earlier this summer and the venue, which is 50 percent larger than the former field, has seen record fan attendance.
  • The high school’s new tennis complex opened recently across the street from Noblesville East Middle School, increasing the district’s overall court capacity by 50 percent for this growing program.
  • Updates/expansions are currently taking place at NHS (athletic and office spaces) and Promise Road Elementary (additional classrooms). Both schools have over-capacity enrollment.

The address wrapped up by celebrating Noblesville’s Teachers of the Year and multiple state and national recognitions in athletics, music, and academics.

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