Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Heather Short and district administration presented the tentative teachers’ agreement to the Board of School Trustees during a Special Board Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025. The meeting provided Board members an opportunity to discuss the tentative agreement and allowed the public to review and comment.

“P-H-M is a premier, high-performing school district because of our educators and the academic excellence they provide,” said Dr. Short. “We want to continue attracting and retaining the best teachers for our students, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to our staff.”

The tentative agreement, developed through a collaborative effort between P-H-M Administration and the P-H-M Teachers Association, includes an overall base salary increase for teachers of approximately 3.45%.

The starting salary for new teachers will increase to $50,000 (up from $48,370), and the maximum salary will rise to $86,777 (up from $84,204). The School Board will officially approve the agreement at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 10.

Salary increases will be retroactive to July 1, 2025, and will extend through June 30, 2026.

Other highlights of the tentative agreement include:

• A one-time $650 stipend for eligible teachers who were rated Effective or Highly Effective and served at least 120 school days during the 2024–25 school year.
• A 2% increase in stipends for teachers who coach or lead extracurricular activities, retroactive to the start of the school year.
• A $250 base salary increase for teachers who have earned their Early Literacy Endorsement.

Director of Human Resources Bob Thompson also shared details on updates to P-H-M’s health insurance. Employee contributions for medical premiums will increase by a modest 3%. The district is also transitioning from a two-tier to a four-tier medical plan through its current carrier, Anthem, and joining Anthem’s HealthSync network—providing employees with additional cost-saving opportunities when using participating providers.

Again the P-H-M Board of School Trustees will officially vote on the teachers’ agreement, other employee group contracts, and the updated health insurance package at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 10.

U.S. News and World Report released its “Best Schools” rankings for public K-8 and high schools.

They ranked the best public elementary schools by state. For Indiana, 989 elementary schools were ranked and 483 middle schools.

Data is based on the 2021–2022, 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 school years.

All of P-H-M’s elementary schools are ranked among Indiana’s “Best Elementary Schools”:

• Northpoint #1
• Prairie Vista #2
• Horizon #37
• Mary Frank #39
• Bittersweet #94
• Elm Road #172
• Moran #175
• Elsie Rogers #297
• Madison #273
• Meadow’s Edge #370
• Walt Disney #385

Two of P-H-M’s middle schools were also recognized:

• Discovery #3
• Schmucker #53

Indiana’s 395 Indiana public high schools were also ranked, and Penn ranked #26.

The U.S. News & World Report analyzed 103,391 pre-K, elementary and middle schools nationwide for their rankings. The rankings use the same methodology for all included grade levels. For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are all high-achieving and have succeeded at educating all their students. Click here for more information on the methodology.

The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions. They reviewed data on 17,901 public high schools. Click here for more background information on their ranking system.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a Special School Board Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. at the Educational Services Center, 55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, Indiana related to the
following items:

• The School Board will meet to discuss the terms of the tentative agreement of the teacher collective bargaining agreement. Teacher Agreement 25-26 Blackline Version.

Students in Zack Lopez and Michelle Miller’s Co-Taught 9th Grade Biology class recently explored real-world environmental science during a visit to the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery in Mishawaka.

Operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Bodine Hatchery has been raising fish for over four decades. Completed in 1983, the facility produces Skamania steelhead trout, Little Manistee steelhead trout, and Coho salmon, and also handles the early rearing of rainbow trout. The hatchery’s work is part of a cooperative fish management program between the Indiana and Michigan DNRs to support healthy fish populations in the St. Joseph River. These efforts—along with the construction of fish ladders that allow species to travel freely up to the Twin Branch Dam—have helped create a world-class trout and salmon fishery right here in northern Indiana.

During the field trip, DNR staff gave Penn students an inside look at how fish are raised from eggs to adulthood, explaining the science behind hatchery operations and the role of habitat management in sustaining aquatic ecosystems. Students were especially interested in learning about coho salmon, one of the hatchery’s signature species, and even had the opportunity to feed rainbow trout during their visit.

“We got to see and talk about the different stages of life for the fish and the importance of DNR staff stocking our local water systems. It’s very relevant information for our students on ecosystems, positive human interactions with the environment, and a potential career field that students may not have thought about,” Lopez said.

The trip connected perfectly with the class’s studies on ecosystems, food chains, and conservation, offering students a firsthand look at how science and stewardship work together to preserve Indiana’s natural resources.

Click here to see the full photo gallery from the class field trip.

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, November 1st.

Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.

For any families that want to sign up to perform, please click here to fill out the Google form.

The P-H-M Board of School Trustees approved a request from the P-H-M Education Foundation Naming Rights Campaign to rename the Educational Services Center the Dr. A. Dean Speicher Educational Services Center after the longtime superintendent who led P-H-M for 21 years, from 1971 to 1992.

The renaming of the ESC is sponsored by Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker who donated $10,000 and will be in effect for 12 years. Dr. Thacker retired in July 2025 after 19 years leading P-H-M as superintendent. Dr. Speicher hired Dr. Thacker as 6th grade teacher at P-H-M’s Madison Elementary School. Dr. Speicher became Dr. Thacker’s mentor and friend.

A native of Middlebury, IN, Dr. Speicher graduated from Ball State University in 1959 with a degree in business education and administration and a minor in journalism. He began his career teaching journalism at Highland Senior High School in Northwest Indiana and went on to earn a master’s degree in public relations from Indiana University in 1965. By 1967, he had completed a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Ball State. He returned to Highland as assistant superintendent before coming to Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in 1971 serving as superintendent for two decades.

Under his leadership, Dr. Speicher fostered a “culture of excellence” in P-H-M. He believed in setting the bar high for both academics and athletics.

In 1973, Speicher hired Chris Geesman as Penn High School football coach, a decision that transformed the school’s program. Under Geesman’s leadership, the Kingsmen went on to secure five state championships and establish itself as a powerhouse in Indiana football. In recognition of this impact, Speicher was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Physically, Dr. Speicher transformed the P-H-M School Corporation from just over 3,000 students in 1971 to over 9,000 students in 1992. Facilities were built or remodeled to accommodate the growth during his years as superintendent:

• Educational Services Center (ESC) –1974
• Bittersweet Elementary School – 1980
• Mary Frank Elementary School – 1982
• Elsie Rogers Elementary School – 1982
• Moran Elementary School – 1982
• Madison Elementary School – 1986
• Elm Road Elementary School – 1987
• Prairie Vista Elementary School – 1989
• Penn High School major renovations including the Center for Performing Arts, expanded gym and swimming pool – 1991

Dr. Speicher held a number of leadership roles at both the state and national levels:

• Board Member of Ball State University (Muncie, IN), 1971 – 1975
• President of Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS), 1978 – 1979
• Chairperson of American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Academy for School Executives,1981 – 1983
• President of American Association of School Administrators (AASA), 1989 – 1990

The Thackers’ gift honors Dr. Speicher’s exemplary service, unwavering commitment to excellence, and visionary leadership that profoundly shaped P-H-M and the greater community. His legacy of innovation, integrity, and devotion to students, staff, and families is commemorated in the renaming of the ESC–past, present, and future.

This makes the sixth donation Dr. and Mrs. Thacker have made as part of the PHMEF Naming Rights Campaign, recognizing the contributions P-H-M employees have made to the community. Click here for more details.

1. Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000 donated in December 2021 ($5,000 per year over five years, for an overall period of 12 years)
2. Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023 
3. Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the  P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
4. Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024 
5. Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024
6. Dr. A. Dean Speicher Educational Services Center, $10,000 donated in October 2025

During his nearly 20 as superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Dr. and Mrs. Thacker supported the Education Foundation wholeheartedly. Since 2006 and with this latest gift, Dr. and Mrs. Thacker donated $242,500 to PHMEF, including this most recent donation. Most of this money has either been unrestricted donations or used as matching funds for fundraising initiatives.

The mission of the Education Foundation is to develop alternative sources of income to support education initiatives in the School Corporation by strengthening partnerships between the community and the District. PHMEF supports education through awarding innovative teaching grants, scholarships to students, staff development and other corporation-wide initiatives.

Per PHMEF’s naming rights fundraising initiative, 80 percent of the donation will go into the Foundation’s endowment, which will in turn provide alternative and additional funding for various co-curricular and extracurricular programs. The remaining 20 percent directly funds professional development initiatives for P-H-M teachers. Continuing education and training of teachers is a major priority for P-H-M School District.

P-H-M hosted a districtwide drug awareness parent and community meeting on Tuesday October, 21, 2025 to help educate P-H-M families and the greater community about the current drug trends attracting teenagers. This valuable information is something all adults should be aware of, click the image above to watch the recorded video of the presentation. It will only be available until end of business day Thursday, Nov. 20th.

The session was led by Tall Cop Says Stop™ contracted educator, Melissa Moore, CPS. Tall Cop Says Stop™ was created by Officer Jermaine Galloway, an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1997. Galloway is regarded as one of America’s top experts in various drug and alcohol trends and specializes in underage drinking and drug enforcement. For more than 15 years, he has trained school administrators and safety personnel in spotting the dangers that threaten teens and the community. Melissa Moore, a 24-year public health experienced professional, who works to advance the mission of Tall Cop Says Stop™ in helping educate parents/guardians and students about the latest deadly effects of so-called recreational drug use.

Click here to access Melissa Moore’s resources referenced in her presentation.

Questions can be directed to the presenter at m3consultingllcwi@gmail.com.

Moore also presented a student focused presentation to Penn students (grades 9-12) during the school day on October 21st and 22nd.

P-H-M’s Annual Community Tailgate is a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, staff, and community members together to show their Penn pride. The event is held before the Penn Football home opener and is a chance for everyone across the district to connect, celebrate, and support the Kingsmen.

This year’s home opener will be “The Backyard Brawl” against Mishawaka on Friday, August 29th, 2025. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. Once inside the stadium head down to the white tents in the south end zone at the Yeoman Family Plaza.

Friday night marks the 67th meeting between Penn and Mishawaka. Penn leads the all-time series 49-16-1. 

With the Indiana Department of Education’s release today (Wednesday, August 13) of 2025 IREAD-3 results, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Heather Short proudly announces that 93.7% of P-H-M third graders passed IREAD.

P-H-M’s IREAD pass rate increased 6.9 percentage points, up from 86.8% in 2024 to 93.7% in 2025–the largest gain in P-H-M’s history of IREAD testing! 

Horizon Elementary’s third graders achieved a 100% IREAD pass rate. With 115 students tested, Horizon ranks as Indiana’s highest-performing school for both the number of students assessed and the percentage passing.

A total of seven P-H-M elementary schools had pass rates of 90% or higher, including two of P-H-M’s Title I schools: 

• Horizon – 100% 
• Prairie Vista – 98.9% 
• Mary Frank – 98.2%
• Northpoint – 97.1%
• Bittersweet – 95.9%
• Elsie Rogers – 94.6% (Title I school)
• Moran at 93.9% (Title I school)

P-H-M students’ success contributed to Indiana’s overall historic jump of nearly five percentage points to 87.3%–the state’s largest single-year increase since the IDOE launched IREAD in 2013. The previous record for the largest year-over-year increase was set in 2024, and was less than 1%.

The P-H-M Board of School Trustees is celebrating, alongside P-H-M administration, the district’s record-breaking achievement; P-H-M outperformed the state’s pass rate by 6.4 percentage points.

“These scores are a tremendous success story, showcasing the hard work of our third graders and the commitment of their families,” said Dr. Short. “Our students put into practice the literacy foundations taught by P-H-M’s dedicated teachers, and their families reinforced that learning at home. I also thank our principals, administrators, and support staff who worked tirelessly to provide the best and safest learning environments so our students could excel.”

Over 99% of P-H-M third graders will be advancing to fourth grade for the 2025-26 school year. 

“Helping every child pass IREAD is our priority,” said Dr. Short. “P-H-M provides a wide range of supports to help students excel in IREAD and in academics overall. We are grateful for our talented teachers and support staff whose dedication and persistence make a difference every day. Our students also benefit from after-school tutoring and the extra learning opportunities offered through summer school.”

Last year, the Indiana Legislature passed a law requiring a student who does not pass IREAD in second or third grade to receive remediation and attend summer school with two more opportunities to pass. If a student passes IREAD in second grade, they do not have to take it again in third grade. This year marked the first time all Indiana second graders took IREAD. P-H-M participated as a pilot district in Spring 2023 giving all our second graders the opportunity to take IREAD early.

Some students can receive a “good cause exemption” that allows them to continue to fourth grade. There is an automatic retention for third-grade students who do not pass IREAD that do not qualify for the exemption. 

The legislation also requires districts to implement science-of-reading-based curricula and for all K-5 and special education teachers to receive an Early Literacy Endorsement upon license renewal on or after July 1, 2027.

Over 270 P-H-M teachers were trained in LETRS (science of reading training program) last year, meeting the state-required professional development for the  Early Literacy Endorsement. Every summer, P-H-M has nearly a hundred teachers participating in the district’s annual Literacy Summit–a completely voluntary summer professional development opportunity. 

“P-H-M has always recognized the importance and power of professional development,” said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Lavon Dean-Null. “The connection between well-trained teachers and academic excellence is clear. Our students and families are blessed to have committed teachers, who are lifelong learners, willing to work over the summer, continuing to grow and learn the best and evolving teaching methods.”

All of P-H-M’s 11 elementary schools saw pass rate gains, including double-digit increases at three schools: Bittersweet (+10.9); Meadow’s Edge (+13.7 points); and Walt Disney (+12.6 points). Meadow’s Edge and Walt Disney are Title I schools.

* Denotes Title I school

Other 2025 P-H-M  academic achievements:
In July, the Indiana Department of Education released Spring ILEARN results, and P-H-M students outscored the state average by 20 percentage points in the percentage of students passing both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. This places P-H-M in the top 4% of public school corporations statewide for the second consecutive year.

Northpoint and Prairie Vista rank in the Top 10 across Indiana, while Discovery Middle School earned the #3 spot. Eighth-grade math achievement continues to climb, up 24 percentage points since the benchmark year, now outpacing the state average by a remarkable 28 points.

Penn High School’s academic results also reached new heights in 2025. Among public high schools in SAT pass percentage, Penn vaulted from #27 to #15 in just one year. AP success surged as well—83% of students scored a 3 or higher, marking a 12% jump from last year and nearly doubling the number of qualifying scores since 2021.

Penn maintains a 98% graduation rate, and the Class of 2025 earned an impressive $22 million in scholarships.