Mel Noble was selected to become the West Babylon Junior High School Principal in 1983 while completing his fifth year as assistant principal at Carmel’s George Fischer Middle School in Putnam County, NY. From 1967-1978, he taught and held various administrative roles at Eleanor Roosevelt Junior High School in Manhattan, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Ruth. He earned degrees at Hunter College (BA), NYU (MA), and Fordham University (Professional Diploma). At West Babylon Junior High School, with the support of the Board of Education, central administration, staff and parents, Mel worked tirelessly to promote expeditious fundamental changes— placing emphasis on academic excellence, fair, consistent student discipline, recognition of students’ accomplishments and improvements in the physical plant. In 1986, the WB Junior High School was named one of New York State’s top performing middle schools.

In 1993, Mel was appointed West Babylon’s Assistant Superintendent, responsible for overseeing K-12 instruction, special education services, policy review, and all Title IX matters. In 1996, he became Deputy Superintendent, then serving as West Babylon Superintendent of Schools from January 2000 through June 2007. Throughout his career in central administration, Mel strived to organize a cohesive K-12 instructional program, involving teachers, supervisors and principals in the development of learner expectations published in the district’s curriculum guides. Mel secured the Board’s adoption of several additional Advanced Placement courses. This encouragement to students resulted in a huge increase in enrollment. As federal and state academic testing requirements became stricter, he and his colleagues emphasized maintaining a balance of enhancing opportunities for deeper student engagement in musical groups, dramas and art courses, thus increasing the number of participating students. Working closely with the trustees and administrators, he proudly directed a large capital project, including construction of WB’s Performing Arts Center, elementary school’s extension, upgrading the secondary science labs, and adding an elevator at WB Junior High School. Always committed to attending numerous K-12 extra-curricular activities, Mel retired with fondest memories of student achievements. Similarly, he and Ruth take great pride in the accomplishments of their sons Mark and Ira, their daughters-in-laws Michelle and Daryl, and the precious grandchildren Abby, Charlie, Elijah, Leo and Lorelai. Mel will always cherish the mutual respect and collegial relationships he has experienced within the West Babylon community.