I recall a recent conversation with a former member of the Hamilton Southeaster (HSE) School Board about the process used in 2014 when Brian Smith resigned as superintendent to accept an offer to become the Executive Director of Indiana School Boards Association.  The HSE board needed to set criteria on selecting Dr. Smith’s replacement.

As one of the largest school districts in the state, the HSE board felt it was necessary to require all candidates to have a certain amount of experience already as a superintendent.  That former member of the board lamented that, looking back, that may not have been a good decision.

Why?  Because at that time, Beth Niedermeyer was already serving as Assistant Superintendent of HSE Schools.  However, she had never been a superintendent so she could not be considered at that time.

It didn’t take long for Noblesville Schools to hire her away from HSE to be the superintendent at the school system to Fishers’ north.

Allen Bourff was chosen and just recently retired as HSE superintendent and by all accounts did a very good job in that post.  However, that former board member wishes the search committee could have at least considered Dr. Niedermeyer.

My dealings with Beth Niedermeyer impressed me in my dealings with her covering HSE Schools.  She was personable, approachable and was always willing to answer my questions as a reporter.

I am writing about her because I just read a story posted today by Indianapolis Star reporter MJ Slaby about the announcement that Beth Niedermeyer, after 8 years at Noblesville, is planning to retire.  You can read the Star story at this link.  (Note…you may be limited on how many Star stories you can access if you are not a subscriber…again, please subscribe to your local media if you do not do so already)

I wish Beth Niedermeyer all the best as she prepares to retire after a solid career in education.  We need more people like her running our public schools.