By Sadie Hunter
Rob Lugo, Principal, North Elementary
Lives: McCordsville.
Experience: More than 16 years of elementary administrative experience in Warren Township schools.
Education: Graduated from Lawrence Central High School. Multiple degrees from IU and Purdue, including master’s degrees in education and building administration.
Family: Wife Leslie, children Austin, 20, Olivia, 12, and Carmel, 9.
Interests: Colts football, mountain biking.
Fun fact: Fried turkeys and prepared/delivered Thanksgiving meals to families in need while principal in Warren Township.
Most proud of: His children.
Most excited about: Meeting staff, students and families; continuing the great academic achievement and growth of students.
Best thing about working with kids: The amazement of seeing a student “get it” and experience success.
Calie VanDermark, Assistant Principal, North Elementary
Lives: Carmel. Grew up in Kansas City, Mo.
Work experience: Former teacher at White River Elementary. U.S. Marine Corps. Toys for Tots administrative responsibilities for youth organization coordination.
Education: Pursuing master’s in education from IUPUI.
Family: Husband John, children Reagan, 13, and Gelly, 12.
Interests: Hiking, gardening, reading, DIY projects.
Fun fact: She’s a veteran.
Most proud of: Her servant heart as a parent and service to her nation and community.
Most excited about: Meeting North staff, students and families and growing her Noblesville family; connecting in a way that fosters student success.
Best thing about working with kids: Learning alongside them.
Stephen Blackburn, Assistant Principal, Promise Road Elementary
Lives: South Broad Ripple. Grew up in Greenwood.
Family: “I have an older sister who lives in Portland, and my parents live in Center Grove. I have two dogs, who are my children, and their names are Norman and Rosie.”
Interests: Traveling, running, going to the gym, triathlons, reading.
Fun fact: Has been cage diving with Great White sharks off the coast of South Africa.
Most proud of: Completed the Woodrow Wilson fellowship program.
Most excited about: Learning more about the interests of students and staff and becoming part of a successful school community.
Best thing about working with kids: They continue to push themselves beyond and come to school each day excited to learn more and better themselves. It keeps you young heart.
Rebecca Staats, Principal, White River Elementary
Lives: Geist. Grew up in Westfield.
Work experience: Teacher and assistant principal at Washington Township schools for more than 13 years.
Education: Master’s in education administration from Butler University.
Family: Married with a dog and a cat.
Interests: Snorkeling, surfing, traveling, tennis, board games.
Fun fact: Has traveled to 10 different countries.
Most proud of: Strong relationships with her family and former students.
Most excited about: Being a part of such a strong school community and creating new relationships with White River students, staff and parents.
Best thing about working with kids: The energy and excitement they bring every day and watching their growth throughout each school year.
Sandy Goehring, Assistant Principal, White River Elementary
Lives: Indianapolis, relocating to Noblesville. Born in Illinois. Raised in Arizona.
Work experience: 10 years of experience at Perry Township schools as assistant principal, teacher and instructional coach.
Education: Master’s in education leadership from IUPUI. Pursuing a doctoral degree at Purdue.
Family: Children Madison, 11, Lucas, 5, and Andrew, 5.
Interests: Reading, hiking, jogging, taking her kids to new parks.
Fun fact: Was on the TV show “Reading Rainbow” as a 10-year-old.
Most proud of: Her focus on continuing professional growth and pursuit of doctoral degree that allows for further positive impact of students.
Most excited about: The opportunity to work with such a passionate staff to do whatever it takes to support the children of White River.
Best thing about working with kids: Seeing the excitement kids have when they learn something new.
