Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness was quick to comment on social media in the aftermath of the Noblesville West Middle School shooting. After all, this happened literally in the school district next door to ours. Noblesville Schools Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer was an assistant superintendent at our local school district before assuming the Noblesville job. This all hits way too close to home.
Mayor Fadness posted on social media how he has listened and interacted with people around Fishers after what happened in Noblesville. He described the fear and uncertainty expressed to him by local parents. Our mayor is a father and says he understands those emotions. But the mayor wrote, “We are a community of action, not complacency.”
As a result, the City of Fishers and the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation are planning to host a discussion about local school safety at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 at Hamilton Southeastern High School in the Leonard Auditorium. Those planning on attending are asked to enter at door Number 18, entrance to the College and Career Academy.
Based on the mayor’s social media post, the first goal of this event is to explain to the community what city and school officials already have in place to keep students safe in our local schools, as well as additional steps being taken.
You will also learn how you, as a member of the local community, can play a role in school safety.
Finally, members of the public will be given an opportunity to comment on the plans outlined by city and school leaders.
It was good to hear from Noblesville Middle School teacher Jason Seaman as he spoke to the media Monday morning. He wasn’t able to say much, but he clearly is uncomfortable in his sudden role as a public hero. It appears he wants some privacy and that’s why the media conference was arranged and the school spokesperson made it clear Mr. Seaman will not be doing one-on-one interviews with anyone at this time.
But it is very good to see Mr. Seaman is in good enough health to get up before the media and make a statement. It is also good to hear the young girl injured in the shooting, Ella Whistler, is expected to make a full recovery.
HSE Schools are already on summer break, but Noblesville finishes up classes this week. Noblesville Police have issued a statement that there will be officers at every Noblesville School Building the rest of this week.
I also know there was increased police presence at HSE Schools after the Noblesville shooting, just to be on the safe side.