Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel G. Hile presented his annual State of the Schools address on Wednesday at the Noblesville Schools Community Center. The event was hosted by the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce as their holiday luncheon.
Hile’s presentation to the sold-out crowd noted several achievements for Noblesville Schools, including:
- National recognition for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) for the sixth year in a row.
- National recognition for music education for the eighth year in a row.
- New national grant for innovative civics education coming in 2024.
- National recognition for Noblesville High School (NHS) educators Bethany Robinson and Andrew Wilkins.
- Enhanced workforce development initiatives.
- State record-setting athletic championships.
- Expanded resources for elementary STEM learning.
- New dedicated space for multilingual family support.
- New adult education initiative coming in 2024.
- The NHS Class of 2023 earned over $5 million in scholarships and 50 percent of the class graduated with an academic honors or technical diploma.
North Elementary students performed holiday hand chime music. (Photo provided by Noblesville Schools)
Hile also shared current designs and progress updates regarding two major construction projects at the high school. The first project to expand athletic facilities is currently underway, and a second will begin next month to add STEM classrooms and expand performing arts spaces. The high school is over capacity with more than 3,200 students and has experienced significant ongoing student demand for these programs. The expansions are being funded through bonds (loans) and will not raise the tax rate or use referendum or education dollars.
Regarding finances, Hile reported that the total property tax rate decreased for the fifth year in a row and that the district recently settled a new contract with teachers that will bring the largest teacher salary funding increase in the history of Noblesville Schools. This commitment to competitive compensation is just one measure Noblesville Schools is taking to attract and retain strong staff amid a challenging labor shortage.
The address also touched on the district’s commitments to community outreach, new communication and relationship-building tools, and their strong partnership with the Noblesville Police Department.
Hile reported that in addition to staffing, key challenges currently impacting public schools are state funding and a growing lack of respect for educators and education as a profession. He stated that he is committed to working closely with state and local elected officials, and members of the public, to ensure continued strong support for students, teachers, and public schools.
Guests at the luncheon were treated to a holiday choir concert by the NHS Singers, including a surprise performance by Hile, a former choir director, joining in with the choir. The luncheon also featured holiday bell music performed by North Elementary students, a STEM exhibition hosted by students from White River Elementary, and a visit from NHS cheerleaders and the Miller Man mascot.
Click here to watch the video of Hile’s address.
Photos provided