In March, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Dr. Jerry Thacker announced his retirement after 19 years. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has achieved extraordinary milestones, including raising the graduation rate from 79% to 98%, ranking in the top 4% of the state academically, and helping students earn more than $200 million in scholarships. He also prioritized school safety, leading P-H-M to be ranked sixth in the nation for school safety initiatives. Click here to read more about P-H-M student success achieved during Dr. Thacker’s tenure.

Dr. Thacker has had a remarkable 53-year career in education working in leadership roles across Indiana and Michigan. As the school year wrapped up and in gratitude for his many contributions to the field of education, Dr. Thacker has received several honors.

These five prestigious awards were conferred upon Dr. Thacker:

• May 4, named IAPSS – District II Superintendent of the Year
  
• May 9
  
  Ivy Tech Community College presented him with an Honorary Degree in College and Community Service at their Commencement
  
• May 9, Head Start Consortium gave him the “Making a Difference” award for his loyal dedication, unwavering commitment, and his indispensable support of Head Start’s mission at Head Start’s 60th Anniversary Celebration and Board Meeting
  
• May 21
  
  Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood presented him with a Key to the City and a proclamation declaring May 21st “Dr. Jerry Thacker Day”
  
• May 30
  
  State Senator Linda Rogers presented him with the Circle of Corydon award on behalf of herself and Governor Mike Braun. The award honors Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana, and who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by our state’s greatest citizens

Internally, P-H-M school principals, teachers, and students also wanted to thank Dr. Thacker for his years of service and dedication to the district. Several came up with meaningful ways to express their appreciation:

• May 1, Penn High School Bands recognized him for his “caring leadership and service” at the Spring Concert
  
• May 16
  
  Grissom Middle School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
• May 16
  
  Penn High School Building Trades program presented him with a Golden Hammer for recognition of his Outstanding Support and Service 
• May 22
  
  Bittersweet Elementary School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
• May 27
  
  Walt Disney Elementary School establishes the “Dr. Jerry Thacker Achievement Award” to recognize students who exemplify persistence, good citizenship, and positive competitiveness
  
• May 30
  
  Schmucker Middle School principal presented him with an Elevation Award for 53 years of service in education to students, teachers, and parents
• June 2
  
  
  Prairie Vista Elementary students performed a “We are your Triangle of Success” presentation and gave him a planter with all the thumbprints of students (grades K-5) and staff to illustrate the impact he’s had on their lives
  
• June 3
  
  Retiring Penn Band Director Glenn Northern, leads the Symphonic Winds section of the Kingsmen Marching Band in the Penn High School Fight song outside Dr. Thacker’s office at the Educational Services Center. Click here to see the video on Facebook.

Before the end of the 2024-2025 school year came to a close, Dr. Thacker shared the video message below with P-H-M students, teachers, and families.

In a special meeting held Tuesday, May 27, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees unanimously (7-0) approved the appointment of Dr. Heather Short as the district’s next superintendent effective July 1, 2025.

Nearly 50 P-H-M teachers, administrators, staff, family and friends showed up to express their overwhelming support of Dr. Short’s appointment.

Dr. Short, a lifelong educator who has dedicated her entire 31-year career to P-H-M, will succeed Dr. Jerry Thacker, who is retiring after 19 years of transformative leadership. Dr. Short has served as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction since 2017. During her tenure, P-H-M students have experienced consistent academic growth and achievement.

“I am deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful to Dr. Thacker for his mentorship throughout my career,” said Dr. Short. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to grow as a leader within this incredible district. I’m excited to continue working alongside our talented staff, dedicated families, and exceptional students to expand opportunities and ensure every child thrives.”

Under Dr. Short’s leadership, P-H-M ranks in the top 4% of Indiana districts based on ILEARN scores. The district also outpaces the state average by 20 percentage points in overall percent passing rates.

“There is no one better—or more qualified—to lead P-H-M’s continued path of academic excellence than Dr. Short,” said Chris Riley, President of the Board of School Trustees. “Her academic expertise and visionary leadership in developing rigorous, relevant curriculum have been key to our students’ success. Dr. Short was the Board’s clear and unanimous choice for superintendent.”

P-H-M is home to some of Indiana’s highest-performing public schools in both English/Language Arts and Math. Prairie Vista Elementary ranks #3 in the state, while Discovery Middle School ranks #2. In Spring 2024, P-H-M’s IREAD pass rate was 86.8%, surpassing the state average of 82.5%. Three P-H-M elementary schools—Prairie Vista (97.7%), Northpoint (95%), and Horizon (95.3%)—achieved pass rates above 90%.

Included in her district-wide academic strategy was a robust Response to Intervention (RtI) program and expanded summer offerings that support both enrichment and remediation.

Dr. Short’s leadership journey reflects deep roots and unwavering commitment to P-H-M. She began her career as a classroom teacher before serving as an Instructional Leader and High Ability Coordinator. Click here to learn how Dr. Short and Board Trustee Katie Bell’s paths crossed when Dr. Short was a 3rd grade teacher at Northpoint. In 2004, she became principal of Prairie Vista Elementary. Recognizing her talent for professional growth and instructional excellence, Dr. Thacker appointed her in 2007 as P-H-M’s first Director of Professional Development—a role she held for a decade before being named Assistant Superintendent.

Throughout her career, Dr. Short has been deeply committed to developing others. She co-created a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to build internal capacity among P-H-M educators and administrators. Her strategic focus on professional development has empowered teachers at every level—from new educators to veteran principals—through initiatives like the annual Literacy Summit and the New Teacher Series.

As Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Short has combined her instructional leadership with strong fiscal stewardship. She has overseen the management of multimillion-dollar budgets and successfully secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants—investments that have directly enhanced classroom instruction, expanded student programs, and strengthened districtwide operations.

“Dr. Short possesses one of the most valuable qualities a leader can have: the ability to build genuine relationships,” said Dr. Thacker. “She makes personal connections with teachers, principals, staff, families—and most importantly, students. She understands the P-H-M culture because she helped build it. There is no one more fitting to serve as the next superintendent.”

After the Board approved Dr. Short as the district’s new leader, Board members shared well wishes and comments. Trustee Katie Bell (elected in November 2024) talked about how things have come full circle for her as a former student of Dr. Short’s when she taught 3rd grade gifted and talented students at Northpoint. The two were actually featured in an article that ran in the South Bend Tribune in March 2003. The article featured Dr. Short teaching her students how to use PowerPoint for their Geography reports on Asia. Click here to read the original story.

Fast forward to 2013 to when Dr. Short was P-H-M’s Director of Professional Development, she interviewed Bell for a teaching position. Bell was hired as a kindergarten teacher in 2016 at Prairie Vista Elementary School and Dr. Short led the professional development for all new teachers. 

“Dr. Short and I are a testament that it’s never goodbye, it’s always see you later,” Bell said. “And I think that shows the true impact of a teacher, that they are in your lives forever, and that you will always remember them.”

Media Coverage

• South Bend Tribune
• ABC 57
• WSBT-TV
• WNDU-TV

P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition and Retiree Dinner, held Wednesday, May 21st, was a time for the Corporation as a whole to honor d P-H-M’s Teachers of the Years, Employee of the Year, retirees, and employees who’ve been with P-H-M for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years.

Click these links to view the dinner program, photo gallery and videos of the TOYs and EOY.

This year the retiree group also includes longtime Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, who is retiring at the end of this school year. Way before becoming the district’s leader, a position he’s held for 19 years, Dr. Thacker was a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, where he taught for five-and-a-half years, before moving to Mary Frank Elementary to teach 5th and 6th grades for eight years. Some of his students from those years are now P-H-M School Board Members and teachers themselves. They and others paid tribute to Dr. Thacker’s commitment to education in this tribute video; click to watch the video below.

School Board of School Trustees Secretary Dana Sullivan was featured in the video. Board President Chris Riley thanked Dr. Thacker for his years of service to P-H-M. Board Members Gary Fox and Katie Bell were also on hand to applaud and congratulate Dr. Thacker and the other retirees, along with the employees for their years of service recognition.

Human Resources Director Bob Thompson served as Master of Ceremonies. Northpoint Principal Lorraine White gave the innovation. Dr. Thacker and Mr. Thompson honored this year’s retirees in attendance by giving them an award. To read the full list of this year’s retirees and employees honored for their years of service with P-H-M, click here to view the dinner program.

Dr. Thacker recognized the Elementary Teacher of the Year Prairie Vista’s Rose Montgomery and Secondary Teacher of the Year Schmucker’s L.A. High, and Employee of the Year Penn’s Whitney Hall.

L.A. High was not present because he was chaperoning students on the 8th grade trip to Washington, DC, but sent the video below to thank everyone for the award.

As part of the recognitions for Mrs. Montgomery and Mr. High, P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom McClain gave each teacher a $1,000 grant from the P-H-M Education Foundation to use in their classrooms. Mrs. Hall received a gift certificate.

We thank Everwise Credit Union and the P-H-M Education Foundation for generously sponsoring the dinner. 

Click to watch the videos below about Mrs. Montgomery, Mr. High and Mrs. Hall.

A small sampling of pictures from the dinner is shown below. Click here to view the full photo gallery.

Principal Elizabeth Cunha welcomed the Board of School Trustees to Discovery on Monday, May 19. A welcoming, warm reception awaited Board members, P-H-M Administrators, patrons and families as they arrived. In the lobby, the student orchestra performed while “StarBuddies” offered free coffee!

When the Board Meeting began, Principal Cunha explained the “StarBuddies” program and shared that recently the Discovery Band earned the ISSMA J.M.E. All-Music Award for 2024-2025, along with highlight many other student achievements. Click here to view Principal Cunha’s presentation.

Eighth grade Students Alice and Julie Zhang talked about their participation in MathCounts; and Abhijay Masetty, who placed 1st place in the state, talked about his competition in the National History Day Competition. It was very clear that “Archers Aim High!”

The presentation ended with Principal Cunha and two student representatives giving Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker student-made “Thank You” cards for his years of service to the district. Dr. Thacker announced his retirement at the end of this school year back in March.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a Special School Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Services Center, 55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, Indiana related to the following item:

• Approval of Employment of Dr. Heather Short as Superintendent
  of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation

A public hearing to hear objections to or in support of a proposed new contract for a new Superintendent was held Thursday, May 15, 2025.

The entire contract can be found at the following link: phmexcellence.com/SuptContract.

For the 12th consecutive year, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation was named among the 2025’s Best Communities for Music Education (​BCME) in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation! P-H-M has received this recognition more than any other school district in Indiana!

This year NAMM has named 935 school districts as the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, and P-H-M is one of them! The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education. 

In P-H-M elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. Schools from elementary all the way up to Penn High School also perform musicals.

Penn High School offers the Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs, either Choir, Orchestra, Band or another music program.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, P-H-M answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.

In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

This year’s Superintendent’s Breakfast was bittersweet with it being Dr. Jerry Thacker’s last State of the Corporation address; after 19 years as Penn-Harris-Madison’s leader, Dr. Thacker is retiring end of this school year in July 2025.

Along with Dr. Thacker highlighting the district’s accomplishments over the past year, the P-H-M Education Foundation event also featured PHMEF grant recipients; Teachers of the Year: Rose Montgomery, Elementary TOY (1st gr., Prairie Vista) and L.A. High, Secondary TOY (8th gr. Math, Schmucker); and Employee of the Year Whitney Hall (Educational Assistant, Penn). The event was held Wednesday, May 14 at Morris Park Country Club.

Click here to see the full photo gallery.

WSBT-TV anchor and P-H-M parent Bob Montgomery emceed and had the pleasure of public congratulating his wife, Rose, on winning P-H-M Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Special guests at the Breakfast included Indiana Department of Education Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner and Indiana State Senator Linda Rogers.

Other speakers included PHMEF President Jill Lebbin of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northern IN Real Estate and PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom McClain.

The Superintendent’s Breakfast is a fundraiser for the Education Foundation. Proceeds help support academic excellence in all 15 P-H-M schools through the awarding of innovative teaching grants, staff development, and other corporation-wide initiatives.

Thank you to the PHMEF Board of Directors and the Event Committee members for all their help and planning of the event. We also thank ALL of our sponsors, including:

• Everwise Credit Union, Presenting Sponsor
• Supporting Sponsors:
  • Fanning Howey
  • Magnus Engineering
• Contributing Sponsors:
  • May Oberfell Lober 
  • Midland Engineering
  • Ivy Tech
• PHMEF Patrons:
  • 1^st Source Bank
  • Generations Wealth Advisory
  • Lake City Bank
  • L.L. Low Associates, Inc.
  • Performance Services
  • Saint Joseph Health Systems
  • Schmidt & Associates
  • Sheriff Redman
  • South Bend Medical Foundation
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Ziker Cleaners

A special thank you also to the following people who helped make this event special:

• Zac Coudret, and Penn High School Orchestra students for the music
• Becky Brown and Penn High School Ceramics Students for the centerpiece art
• Pastor Michael Cramer for the Innovation
• PHMEF Office Manager Amy Chrise and the PHMEF Planning Committee
• Proshow for the audio visuals
• All PHMEF donors whose contributions make excellence in education possible!

Indiana Association of School Principals recently announced that Moran Elementary School principal, Lisa Russell, has been named District 2 Elementary Principal of the Year; along with Penn High School’s assistant principal, Josiah Parker, being named District 2 Assistant Principal of the Year!

District 2 includes the following counties: St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Marshall, Starke, and LaPorte.

The winners of State Elementary Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year will be announced in November.

Mrs. Russell has been principal of Moran since 2020. Mr. Parker has been an assistant principal at Penn since 2018.

Penn High School proudly recognized members of the Class of 2025 who have committed to careers in education—an inspiring step toward shaping future classrooms. Click here to see the full photo gallery posted below.

The Teacher Signing Day, similar to a College Signing Day for student-athletes, was held in the Studio Theater on Tuesday, May 13.

Students wore shirts representing their college of choice and announced their academic decisions, field of speciality in education, and named their favorite Penn-Harris-Madison teachers.

Under Penn High School’s Family and Consumer Sciences program, students who are interested in pursuing a career in education can prepare for the profession by taking several courses, such as Early Childhood Education and Cadet Teaching.

“This event is important to highlight and celebrate those students who are pursuing a career in education,” said Penn instructor Rachael Meyers, who oversees Cadet Teaching.

Meyers said that Penn plays a key role in preparing students for careers in education.

“The education professions pathway has continued to grow and evolve  and teachers throughout the district continue to partner with the program,” Meyers said. “This opportunity allows students to explore the skills necessary to pursue a career in education.

“The world of education is constantly changing,” Meyers continued. “The needs of our students change from year-to-year. This program helps foster a vision for students who are considering at the very least to work with children of all ages.  The program also highlights the possible directions education might go.”

Students received letters of intent from Penn-Harris-Madison guaranteeing the students a job interview for a teaching position upon completion of their degree and teaching licensure.

Their decision reflects the heart of P-H-M’s “Triangle of Success,” where students, teachers, and parents work together to build a foundation of excellence.

P-H-M Director of Human Resources Robert Thompson said that P-H-M is committed to staying connected with these students.

“We will continue to reach out, offer mentorship opportunities, and support your professional growth as you prepare for a future in education,” Thompson stated. “We look forward to the day when you may return to Penn-Harris-Madison to inspire the next generation of Kingsmen—just as you were once inspired.”

Below is the list of graduating students who participated in this morning’s ceremony with their intended college/university and major, along with their inspiring teacher:

• Hannah Abad, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wachs
• Ruth Bautista, Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wachs (not present at the ceremony, but will receive a letter of intent)
• Olivia Bennett, Indiana University South Bend, Special Education, inspiring teacher: Mr. Blazo
• Chloe Bowering, Indiana University South Bend, Special Education, inspiring teacher: Mr. Sanders
• Kate Diaz, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wetzel
• Kiley Ellis, Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Schenkel
• Lizzy Green, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Meyers and Mrs. Wetzel
• Megan Kennedy, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Obert
• Katherine Kollar, Ball State University, Secondary English, inspiring teachers: Ms. Armstrong, Mr. Coffee and Mrs. Meyers
• Kyleigh Mason, Indiana University Bloomington, Elementary Education, inspiring teachers: Mrs. Wetzel and Mrs. Meyers
• Reagan Miller, Indiana University South Bend, Early Childhood, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wetzel
• Arianna Rice, Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education, inspiring teachers: Mr. Keck and Mrs. Wachs

Penn High School’s Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., June 9, 2025, at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Click here for info on livestream of Commencement for friends and family not in attendance. 

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