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

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-Harris-Madison School Corporation is proud to announce that Rose Montgomery, a first grade teacher at Prairie Vista Elementary, has been named the district’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise classroom visit from Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker on Wednesday, May 7, as part of the district’s celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Click to watch the video below.

Making the surprise even more special, Rose’s husband—WSBT-TV anchor and reporter Bob Montgomery—was there with a videographer to capture the moment. After the excitement settled, he had the unique opportunity to interview his wife about the honor.

Also joining the celebration were the couple’s daughters, Caroline and Katherine. Caroline is a sophomore at Penn High School, and Katherine, a 2024 Penn graduate currently attending Bethel University as a nursing major. Katherine is volunteering in her mother’s classroom through the end of the school year—a full-circle moment reflecting Rose as both a loving mother, wife, and teacher. Click to see the full photo gallery below.

With more than 30 years of service to P-H-M, Mrs. Montgomery has built a career rooted in relationships, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every child who walks through her door. “My heartfelt belief is that these children are part of my family from the day they show up in my classroom,” Mrs. Montgomery shared. “This doesn’t end when the school year ends.”

That belief drives everything she does. Even before the school year begins, Mrs. Montgomery connects with families—especially those whose children may face challenges—so that students arrive on day one feeling welcomed and supported. “The first day shouldn’t be full of anxiety,” she said, “but filled with comfort, knowing their teacher already cares about them.”

Her connections with families are intentional and ongoing. Mrs. Montgomery regularly calls parents to share moments of progress and celebration. “I want the parent to hear the passion in my voice,” she said. “Even the most reluctant student becomes a trusted member of my extended family by the end of the year.”

Colleagues say her commitment is unmatched. “Rose is the kind of teacher who will stay up late thinking of new ways to support her students,” said colleague Hayley McTigue who was one three teachers who nominated her. “Her creativity, perseverance, and heart set her apart.”

Mrs. Montgomery embraces all aspects of a child’s growth. “As teachers, our job is so much more than teaching content,” she says. “We play basketball at recess, wipe tears, attend birthday parties, bandage knees, and offer encouragement.”

She tutors after school, attends students’ events, and continues relationships long after students leave her classroom. She’s a strong advocate for students with special needs, often working closely with parents to create individualized plans for success. “She works with parents to develop the best plan for their child—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally,” said fellow teacher Retha Stork.

For Mrs. Montgomery, teaching is about leaving a mark that goes far beyond academics. “In 40 years,” she said, “students won’t remember the reading or math lesson you worked so hard to perfect, but they will remember how you made them feel.”

During the week of May 5th, Dr. Thacker also named the district’s Secondary Teacher of the year and Certified Employee of the Year. On Monday, Schmucker 8th grade math teacher L.A. High was surprised in his classroom with the Secondary Teacher of the Year honor (click here for details). On Tuesday, Penn High School Educational Assistant Whitney Hall learned that she was Employee of the Year (click here for details).All three winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation, the Employee of the Year will receive a plaque and gift certificate and the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a plaque along with grants to use in their classrooms. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►

Penn High School Educational Assistant Whitney Hall received a well-deserved honor this morning when Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker announced that she has been named the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year for Penn-Harris-Madison.

Dr. Thacker, PHM and Penn Administrators, a few of Whitney’s co-workers, and of course students were all in the classroom waiting to surprise Whitney when she returned after a “meeting.” She was genuinely surprised and caught off guard. Click to watch the video below, and then click here to see the full photo gallery.

Since joining the Exceptional Education Academy at Penn in September 2020, Whitney has made a significant difference in her students’ lives. One example of her dedication is her one-on-one work and patient support with a mostly non-verbal student which led to the discovery that the student could solve algebraic equations.

Her co-workers admire Whitney’s willingness to “jump right in” and help no matter the situation. Another example of her commitment to her students is when during an adaptive PE session, Whitney didn’t hesitate to dive into the pool to swim alongside her students.

Whitney also serves as the coach of Penn’s Unified Cornhole Team, a program that brings together general education and exceptional education students in inclusive, team-based competition. Under Whitney’s guidance over the past two years, the program has grown in both participation and impact—celebrating the values of equity, inclusion, and student engagement. These are just a few examples of the impact she makes daily. Every student matters to Whitney Hall.

Whether assisting students with IEPs, assisting with classroom instruction, or mentoring fellow Educational Assistants, Whitney consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students receive the individualized support they need to be successful. She is a true team player.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Whitney plays a key leadership role in building positive culture within the Ex Ed Academy and the greater Penn community. She is a founding member of Penn’s SITA Crew, a group of Educational Assistants who organize morale-boosting activities, staff events, and opportunities to build connection and community within the Exceptional Education team.

Whitney embodies what it means to serve with heart. Her work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and staff alike.

During the week of May 5^th, Dr. Thacker will also name P-H-M’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in a surprise announcement. On Monday, 8th grade Schmucker math teacher L.A. High was named Secondary Teacher of the year (click here for details). All three winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation, the Employee of the Year will receive a plaque and gift certificate and the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a plaque along with grants to use in their classrooms. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►