ParentSquareDrug Awareness Parent Community Meeting
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.
ESS Back to School Hiring Event, Sept. 19
*Update* – This event has been moved from September 18th to Friday, September 19th
ESS hires substitute teachers and aides, along with Exceptional Education Assistant positions.
Can’t make it to one of the Hiring Events listed above. Click here to apply today. Be sure to enter Penn-Harris-Madison in the search box.
This Friday, Aug. 29, 2025: P-H-M Community Tailgate Party
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.
P-H-M Students Achieve 93.7% IREAD Pass Rate Jumping 6.9% points–the highest gain in P-H-M history!
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.
| Name of Elementary School | 2024 IREAD Pass Rate | 2025 IREAD PASS Rate |
| Bittersweet | 85.0% | 95.9% |
| Elm Road* | 77.3% | 84.4% |
| Elsie Rogers* | 85.9% | 94.6% |
| Horizon | 95.3% | 100% |
| Madison* | 77.3% | 84.2% |
| Mary Frank | 94.1% | 98.2% |
| Meadow’s Edge* | 75.3% | 89.0% |
| Moran* | 85.3% | 93.9% |
| Northpoint | 95.4% | 97.1% |
| Prairie Vista | 97.7% | 98.9% |
| Walt Disney* | 73.6% | 86.2% |
*Title I schools
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.
Summer 2025 Capital Improvements
Summer is a busy time of year for Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. Although our schools and campuses are busy year round with summer enrichment, athletic, and activity camps, P-H-M Facilities, Maintenance, Grounds, and Custodial Staff take advantage of having less staff and students in our buildings to do necessary maintenance and updates. P-H-M works with valued partners to conduct the majority of Capital Improvement Projects over the summer months.
P-H-M is following its Facility Improvement Plan (which can be found on the P-H-M Facilities web page). Below is a listing of just some of the total work being done this summer across the district, along with a corresponding photos:
Bittersweet Elementary School & P-H-M District Educational Services Center
Mary Frank Elementary School
Walt Disney Elementary School
Discovery & Schmucker Middle Schools
Exterior restrooms and concession stands. Click to see Discovery photo gallery. Click to see Schmucker photo gallery.
Penn High School
Automatic ADA door controls
HVAC upgrades, improving the multistack chillers and the cooling tower heat pumps
The work being done over the course of 2025 is part of P-H-M’s 2-year, $55 million overall Capital Improvement Plan approved by the School Board in November 2023. Click to review the plan and see the project breakdown per school.
The projects were reviewed and prioritized based on the following improvement criteria: safety and security, learning environment, replacement cycles, and the district’s goal of maintaining and improving the overall appearance and function of each educational facility to create optimal learning opportunities.
These planned improvements are being financed through a Lease Rental and follow the district’s debt service management plan to maintain a stable tax rate, currently the lowest school district tax rate in St. Joseph County.
Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent
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
BoardDocs
Visit the BoardDocs® public website to access school board meeting agendas, minutes, and policies.
HOW TO ACCESS BOARDDOCS®
Go to BoardDocs® by pasting this web address into your browser bar http://www.boarddocs.com/in/phm/Board.nsf – or by simply clicking here!
Once at the BoardDocs® page, click on Enter Public Site.
HOW TO SEE THE AGENDA FOR A SCHEDULED MEETING
Agendas are made public three days ahead of a meeting. The Agenda for the next scheduled board meeting will be listed on the left-hand side of the BoardDocs site under the Featured tab. If you wish to view a meeting other than the current or “featured” meeting, click on the Meetings tab and a listing of all Active Meetings (from 2008-2022) will appear.
When you click on a meeting date, a window opens on the right-hand side of the webpage, giving you the option to View the Agenda, which includes detailed information for each agenda item, or Print the Agenda. A print-out will not include the additional details.
HOW TO SEE THE MINUTES FOLLOWING A MEETING
The minutes from a school board meeting are provided in draft form in the agenda for the next school board meeting. That Agenda is released the Friday before the scheduled meeting.
To access the Minutes from a given meeting, select the subsequent meeting and click View the Agenda. The Agenda will appear in the left-hand column and Board Minutes are generally listed there as Item 4: Approval of Minutes. When you click there, the Agenda Item Details will appear on the right side of the page, including the link to open the minutes as a PDF file.
To return to the “main page” of the BoardDocs® public website, simply click on the Featured tab at the top of the page.
HOW TO SEE SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES
The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and the Board of School Trustees follows state and federal statutes, relying on the guidance of Neola Services, to ensure we remain in compliance while providing an excellent education to our students.
Please click here to be taken to the district’s BoardDocs policy website for a complete listing of P-H-M’s Board approved policies.
Strategic Plan
A school corporation’s strategic plan outlines the long-term vision, goals, and actionable steps aimed at improving educational outcomes and operational efficiency. It serves as a roadmap to guide decision-making and resource allocation to enhance student achievement and organizational effectiveness.
College & Career Readiness Goals
STRATEGIC GOAL – Preparing all students for the world beyond the walls of Penn. Students will be experienced with high-level thinking in all courses with the expectation of continual growth and expanded thinking.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
Two years ago, the Indiana Department of Education created the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed Dashboard. This website houses the majority of the data relative to student achievement for all Indiana schools.
District Grade – This will be updated when the Indiana Department of Education approves the new accountability formula.
School Grades – This will be updated when the Indiana Department of Education approves the new accountability formula.
Graduation rate must exceed 90%. ⇒ Penn’s graduation rate is 97%
ILEARN – Based on the passing rate of our students, P-H-M is in the top 4% of all schools statewide.
IREAD – 93.7% of P-H-M third graders passed this annual reading proficiency test.
All students benefit from differentiated instruction, and programs in place that support high ability students, English-language learners, and those with special needs.
At the high school, the Freshman Academy helps ninth graders transition to college and career expectations, and four Achievement Academies provide structured programs of study aligned with career interests and aptitudes. Some will choose the Early College Academy as a way to work toward an Associates Degree while earning a high school diploma.
The school district’s goal is to provide an educational environment for students to reach their highest academic achievement. We will help them become lifelong learners who are ready to adapt, contribute to and succeed in a changing world.
Professional Development Goals
STRATEGIC GOAL – P-H-M will have the highest quality trained faculty and staff by continuing to invest in ongoing, job-embedded professional development.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
Performance and Accountability – 100% of P-H-M teachers are rated Effective or Highly Effective on Indiana’s teacher evaluation system.
Professional Distinction – P-H-M educators consistently receive national and state recognition, including one Indiana Superintendent of the Year, two Principals of the Year, one Teacher of the Year, and several finalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year (Top 25, Top 10, and one Top 3 finalist).
Student Achievement Analysis – Our decisions, including planned professional development, are data-driven and based on what we need to do to meet our students’ needs.
Ensuring College and Career Readiness – Our teaching staff is equipped and enabled to provide instruction that is both relevant and rigorous. The high school faculty is trained in best practices, including how to be part of an effective Professional Learning Community.
Current Educational Trends – We bring in nationally-recognized speakers and trainers and allow teachers time out of the classroom for these growth opportunities.
Customer Service at all Levels – The expectation is clear and the training is provided so that all staff are positioned to serve our community in a helpful, pleasant, and respectful manner.
Continuous Professional Growth – Teacher retention is high because the district values and invests in them. In addition to year-round professional development, summer professional learning opportunities are designed to introduce new materials or new skills ahead of the coming school year.
Building Administrative Capacity – P-H-M has a culture of honoring growth and recognizing excellence. Through mentoring, support, and structured administrative experiences, a number of good teachers have become great principals and administrators within the district.
Facilities Goals
STRATEGIC GOAL – Maintaining top-notch facilities to optimize the quality of the learning environment and extra-curricular offerings in a safe environment.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
- Strategic planning on capital improvements
- Classroom upgrades
- Planetarium upgrades
- Athletic Facilities improvements
- Energy management and mechanical upgrades
- Bus parking enhancements
- Traffic Flow
- Enhanced security with 3-layer safety approach
- Locked exterior doors
- Locking classroom doors
- Identity screening of visitors
- Safety film on windows
Technology Goals
STRATEGIC GOAL – Using technology to support learning in an engaging, student-centered environment.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
- Chromebook Initiative
- Every high school and middle school student receive a personal Chromebook
- All elementary classrooms have access to Chromebook carts
- Instructional Technology
- District-wide instructional technology in teachers’ hands
- Integrated hardware/software/connectivity engineered to work together
- Canvas Learning Management System connects students, parents and teachers
- Elementary digital resources accessed through Student Launch Pad
- Support and training
- Student readiness through prepared lessons and hands-on experience
- Staff readiness through structured training, modeling and peer support
- Student intern program maintains devices and supports users
- Focused on the future: STEM
- Project Lead the Way opportunities at elementary, middle school and high school
- PLTW training and accreditation for staff
- Many custom labs (architecture, robotics, computer science, graphic design, music)
- Infrastructure upgrades to support demand for digital resources
- Telephone upgrades, VOIP flexibility and reliability
- Committed resources (network, training) to support widespread online assessments
- Server management and monitoring provides security and redundancy
- Annual Technology Plan
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Best use of resources
Fiscal Responsibility
STRATEGIC GOAL – P-H-M will provide necessary financial resources to support high quality teaching and learning while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
- Maintain a consistent tax rate
- Maintain General Fund operating balance
- Rainy Day Fund maintained for emergencies
- Adopt budget at maximum levy; File for appeals on additional revenue when qualify
- Competitive bidding on purchases and services for cost efficiency
- Revenue generators include non-resident student enrollment, additional vocational programs, grants
Parent & Community Partnerships
STRATEGIC GOAL – We know that parents are our biggest supporters. We will continually add to our list of community partnerships through collaboration with local businesses, universities and other forums.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
- Business partners, including:
- Teachers Credit Union
- May Oberfell Lorber Law Firm
- Lionshead Specialty Tire & Wheel
- Zolman’s Tire & Auto Care
- Jordan Automotive Group
- Whirlpool Corporation
- St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
- and many more!
- Academy partners, including:
- Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame
- South Bend Symphony
- Elkhart General Hospital
- and many more!
- University partners, including:
- University of Notre Dame
- IVY TECH
- IU South Bend
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Parents as partners, including
- Families for Fair Funding as advocates
- Active PTO at every school
- PHM Forum meets monthly
- Boosters supporting athletics
- Boosters supporting performing arts
- PHM Education Foundation
- Silver Mile and other community-based events
- Teacher grants to support innovation
- PHMEF Endowment
- Corporations for Education
- Laidig Systems
- May Oberfell Lorber Law Firm
- Spectron mrc LLC
- Crowe Horwath
- Memorial Children’s Hospital
- Gibson
Fiscal Responsibility
STRATEGIC GOAL – P-H-M will provide necessary financial resources to support high quality teaching and learning while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
MEASURES OF OUR SUCCESS
- Decreased tax rate $.1556 in 2015
- Maintain General Fund operating balance for 8 years
- Rainy Day Fund maintained for emergencies
- Adopt budget at maximum levy; File for appeals on additional revenue when qualify
- Competitive bidding on purchases and services for cost efficiency
- Revenue generators include non-resident student enrollment, Energy education, additional vocational programs, grants
- Partnered with City of Mishawaka for PLTW initiative for classroom technology