For the first time since Hazel Dell Elementary School opened in 1988, the head administrator greeting parents and students on the first day of school will not be John Land. Karen Carter was named Land’s successor on March 18, approximately one month after the announcement of Land’s plans to retire at the end of this school year.
“You don’t replace a legend, you just find a successor and let them create their own legend,” Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Libbie Conner said. “She is just outstanding and ready for the challenge.
Carter has been an assistant principal at North Elementary School for two years.
“Karen has had an enormous impact at North and at the corporation level. She is going to be a leader in 21st century learning across all the schools,” North Elementary Principal Joe Brown said. “I’m happy for Hazel Dell. They are in great hands.”
She came to Noblesville in 2012 from Wayne Township Schools on the west side of Indianapolis. Carter served that school district for about 20 years as a special education teacher, a district administrator for curriculum and assessment and an assistant principal. She also worked in technology and curriculum development.
“I’m excited for my new opportunity to learn more about Noblesville and to be a part of such a strong school,” Carter said. “I do feel very strongly about our vision in Noblesville and I am excited to see how we move forward with that. It’s an exciting time for education.”
Carter said being principal is a long-time goal of hers.
“I’ve had several positions, but everyone makes me realize how much I want to be in a school building with children every day,” she said. “I’m a little sad because I had a lot of fun at North but I’m very happy to be continuing my career in Noblesville.”
During the next few months of the school year, Carter will visit Hazel Dell to meet staff members, observe classrooms, get to know the instructional strengths of the building, and get to know the school’s climate and culture. She plans to involve students, teachers and the community in discussions as the school sets a direction for the future.
“Mr. Land is a great person to follow as principal. He has built a very successful school,” she said. “I look forward to Hazel Dell’s Chapter 2 and building on all his successes.”
Carter earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Purdue University and her administrative license from Indiana University.
“I have only been in Noblesville for two years, but I have fallen in love with the school and the community. The community’s been so welcoming,” she said.
