Noblesville Superintendent Niedermeyer Honored with Sagamore of the Wabash
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and Noblesville Schools superintendent Beth Neidermeyer pose after the superintendent was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of the most prestigious awards handed down by the state of Indiana. The award represents one of the crowning achievements across Dr. Neidermeyers four-decade carrer in education. She announced earlier this year that she will retire in June.
Noblesville Schools announced yesterday that superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer is the recipient of Indiana’s Sagamore of the Wabash award.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen commented, saying, ““Beth has been instrumental in making Noblesville Schools one of the best districts in the state.”
He went on to say, “As a parent, I appreciate everything she has done inside the classrooms and as mayor she has been a critical partner on numerous initiatives, events and projects that the city and schools have partnered on over the eight years she has led the district. She will be greatly missed, but it is my honor to present her the Sagamore of the Wabash Award on behalf of Gov. Eric Holcomb for her years of service in education and the thousands of students she has positively impacted.”
Created in the 1940s, the Sagamore is one of the highest honors in the state of Indiana, awarded by the governor as a personal tribute to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state through their wisdom, public commitment, and concern for the well-being of others.
Issued by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, the award was presented to Niedermeyer in honor of her retirement by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen.
The term “sagamore” was used by the American Indian tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a great man among the tribe to whom the chief would look for wisdom and advice. The award states that the honoree is distinguished by their humanity in living, loyalty in friendship, wisdom in council, and inspiration in leadership.
Niedermeyer recently announced that she will retire at the end of June after 38 years in public education.
During her tenure in Noblesville, she led several significant achievements including:
- State and national academic and extracurricular honors
- Safety enhancements following the district’s school shooting
- Strong fiscal and facility growth management
- An expanded focus on creating a school environment where all students can best learn
- The creation/expansion of community outreach and engagement initiatives
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 other 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 expects to name a new superintendent in the coming weeks.