Noblesville Schools announced Tuesday that superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer will retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Her last day will be June 30, 2022.
Niedermeyer joined Noblesville Schools as superintendent in July 2014 after having served in previous leadership roles with Hamilton Southeastern Schools, the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
During her tenure she led several significant achievements including:
- Academic data above state and national averages, including “A” ratings from the Indiana Department of Education, and state and national recognition for STEM programming, workforce development initiatives, Advanced Placement, college and career readiness, special education, educational technology, and music education.
- Steady community leadership following the district’s school shooting in May 2018, including the hiring of a full-time safety director, the placement of school resource officers in all 10 schools, and over 50 safety enhancements across the district.
- Strong fiscal management, including the passage of two successful referendum campaigns, balanced budget maintenance, high credit ratings, low interest rates, and a reduction of the total property tax rate for three years in a row.
- Growth management, including expansions and renovations at all 10 schools and several athletic facilities, the opening of a new community center and transportation center, and the launch of a district solar power initiative expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings.
- An expanded focus on creating a school environment where all students can best learn, including over 30 new mental health enhancements, additional resources for low income and English language learner students, diversity training for staff, and the founding (with other community leaders) of the Noblesville Diversity Coalition.
- The creation/expansion of community outreach and engagement initiatives, including the Miller Ambassadors leadership program, the Noblesville High School internship program, workforce development partnerships, the district’s 150th anniversary celebration, Superintendent Table Talk, and the Noblesville Schools Back to School BASH.
- Management of the COVID pandemic, with Noblesville Schools able to keep schools open and students learning every day of the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school year.
- High-quality staffing during intense teacher, employee, and substitute labor shortages, including creative recruiting and retention initiatives, the largest pay increase to Noblesville teachers in approximately 40 years, and the introduction of interest-based bargaining.
- An adjusted school day schedule to provide enhanced health, well-being and learning for students.
- Launch of district preschool and before/after school care programming.
“I want to thank Dr. Niedermeyer not only for her outstanding leadership and service to Noblesville Schools these past eight years, but also for her commitment to public education for the last 38 years,” said Joe Forgey, president of the Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees. “Her passion for learning, thoughtful guidance, and ability to build strong relationships has had an untold positive impact on tens of thousands of students, employees, families and community members over the years.”
Photo provided by Noblesville Schools
This was a tough decision for me, as the years I have spent with Noblesville Schools have been the proudest of my career,” Niedermeyer said. “I have such tremendous respect for this community and for our educators, support staff and leaders. It’s been my true honor to walk alongside you all, celebrating our achievements and supporting one another through challenges. I will continue to be committed to students, educators, public education, Noblesville Schools, and this community, and am rooting for your success.”
In addition to her leadership responsibilities with the district, Niedermeyer also serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Youth Assistance, Noblesville Diversity Coalition and Noblesville Midday Rotary.
Niedermeyer has received numerous honors and awards over the course of her career including: Central Indiana Superintendent of the Year, Indiana Principal of the Year, Fort Wayne Community Schools Teacher of the Year, Aerospace Science Teacher of the Year, Excellence in Education awards, and a Distinguished Education Alumna Award from Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne.
The school board will work with a professional superintendent search firm to assist in finding Niedermeyer’s replacement and hope to name the new superintendent this spring. Members of the school community will be asked to share input to help determine the qualities prioritized in selecting the new superintendent.
“Noblesville Schools is one of the best districts in the state and we’re confident that we’ll be able to find another strong leader to continue our tradition of excellence,” Forgey said.