ParentSquareDr. Jerry Thacker Announces Retirement after 19 Years as P-H-M Superintendent
After nearly two decades leading the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker has announced his retirement, effective in July 2025. In a heartfelt letter sent this morning to P-H-M teachers, staff, students, and families Dr. Thacker shared his decision to step down after a remarkable 53-year career in education (click here to read the letter).
“Dr. Thacker’s vision of excellence helped shape P-H-M into one of the top-performing school districts in Indiana,” commented Chris Riley, President of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees. “We are grateful not only for his years of leadership, but for his tireless commitment and dedication to our entire community. There is no greater supporter of Penn-Harris-Madison than Dr. Jerry Thacker!”
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.
In concert with the Board of School Trustees, P-H-M has a stellar record of financial stewardship. P-H-M overcame a $3 million deficit, built a strong and sustainable financial model, and maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the region—all while ensuring our students and staff had the resources they needed to thrive.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Thacker shared “As superintendent, one of the greatest joys of my career has been attending school events and witnessing our students shine—whether excelling in academics, performing in fine arts, or competing in athletics. Our students’ talent and dedication are extraordinary.”
Dr. Thacker’s educational career began in the classroom as 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, where he also became a Team Leader. He even did his student teaching at P-H-M, at Moran Elementary. His passion for learning and leadership soon led him to administrative roles across Indiana and beyond.
Dr. Thacker’s extensive career in educational leadership includes:
- Eastlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
- Principal (1985-1987)
- Woodlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
- Principal and Director of Curriculum (1987-1989)
- Saginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw, Michigan)
- Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and School Improvement (1989-1990)
- Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, IN)
- Director of Elementary Education (1990-1996) – Led significant academic improvements, increasing the district’s 4-Star Schools from one to eight within five years
- Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (1996-1998)
- Logansport Community School Corporation (Logansport, IN)
- Superintendent (1998-2006)
- Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
- Superintendent (2006-2025)
He earned his Elementary Education degree from Bethel College, his Master’s from Indiana University South Bend, and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan).
Dr. Thacker’s commitment to education has been driven by a lifelong dedication to student success. The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) named him Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2013 and again in 2017. He was also named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2014—Indiana’s highest award—from then Governor Mike Pence. He has also been recognized as Alumnus of the Year from both IUSB and Bethel College.
Donna and Jerry Thacker will spend the winter months in Florida. Dr. Thacker plans on remaining active in the field of education working as a consultant. He and Mrs. Thacker have been longtime contributors to and supporters of the P-H-M Education Foundation. During his tenure, the Thackers have donated $232,500, including contributions to PHMEF’s Naming Rights Campaign:
- Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000
- Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023
- Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
- Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024
- Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024
It was announced in January that Penn High School’s new fieldhouse will be named the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse. Click here for more information.
Reflecting on his time at P-H-M, Dr. Thacker expressed deep gratitude for the support of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the broader P-H-M community. His leadership has left an enduring impact on the district, and his legacy will continue through the students, educators, and families he has influenced.
“I will carry with me the countless memories of our shared successes and the friendships that have made this journey so meaningful,” Dr. Thacker said. “The future of P-H-M is bright because of each of you, and I have no doubt that our teachers, staff, and administrators will continue to inspire, empower, and lead with excellence. Our families will continue to raise amazing children. And our students are aptly prepared to make a difference in this world at every level.”
Details about P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees’ search for the district’s next superintendent will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Back to School Information
We’re thrilled to welcome back all of our 11,000+ students and are excited to help all our students achieve Excellence.
The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025 for grades 1 – 12.
- All students in 1st through 12th grades will report to their school buildings that day, and all those who are signed up for transportation services may ride the bus that day.
- Kindergarten orientation takes place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 with the first full day of kindergarten being Thursday, August 21st.
BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS. MARK CALENDAR & ATTEND!
- Our elementary schools are hosting many fun Back to School family events starting the week of August 11. Be on the lookout from communication directly from your school principal.
- All three Middle Schools are also planning a Walk-Around on Thursday, August 14th. Be on the lookout from communication directly from your school principal. Make sure you mark your calendar and plan to attend!
- Penn is hosting a “Walk Around” to help parents and students get familiar with the school:
- Penn High School’s “WALK AROUND” on Saturday, August 16, from 9 a.m. – Noon gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with the school and find where their classes and activities are located.
The BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION listed below will help P-H-M parents and students get ready for the 2025-26 School Year!
CONTACTING SCHOOLS OVER THE SUMMER
- Elementary and Middle School Front Offices open Monday, August 4th.
- Penn is open every week day over the summer.
- All schools are open Monday – Friday during business hours. Those hours vary by school.
- Click here for the School Directory of all 15 schools
- Register a new elementary or middle school student by visiting the school after offices open August 4, 2025. Click here to know what documentation you need to bring with you for registration.
- Register a new Penn High School student by calling (574) 254-2851. We will help you schedule your registration appointment and advise you on what information to bring with you to the appointment.
BACK TO SCHOOL PACKETS & FORMS
- Back to School packet & information sheets
- Parent/guardians will sign these three forms in ParentSquare:
- Photo Consent
- Mandatory Curriculum Consent
- Handbook Certification
- These forms will be in Skyward Family Access:
- CHIRP Release
- Chromebook packet
- Authorization to administer non-prescription medication at school
- Back to School Info Sheets
Click here for more information on how to login into your Skyward Family Access account
- Here is the SY 2025-26 one-page calendar showing “at a glance” the start and end dates, as well as scheduled recess and vacation dates.
- All P-H-M families are mailed a District Activities Calendar early August. It lists key school and district events throughout the year.
- Our online (Google) calendars are the most up-to-date. You’ll find a link to the P-H-M Corporate Calendar posted on the home page of the District website. It’s a Google calendar that can be added to your personal calendar.
- Each school also maintains an online Google calendar on the home page of each school website that is updated frequently with the school’s scheduled activities and event details. You can also the school’s Google calendar to your personal calendar to remember important dates.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
- All P-H-M schools provide basic school supplies to our students, free of charge. Therefore, our schools do not issue supply lists. You will need to purchase a backpack, water bottle, lunch box, and other items you want your child to have at home or take with them to school. If other specific items need to be purchased for a class or lab, your child’s teacher will inform you after school starts.
IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES
- Click here to make sure you child is up-to-date with all required immunizations.
- Proof of immunizations must be provided to the school office by the first day of school.
- Kindergarten parents, please click here to learn about important kindergarten health information and medical forms before your kindergartner’s first day of school.
- Click here for the forms administering medications at school
- Click here for more information on P-H-M Healthcare Services
- School bus route times and locations will be shared with parents in a Transportation letter to be emailed before school starts
- Parents can check EZRouting to see your child’s bus route information online
- Here Comes the Bus provides real time GPS bus location info so parents know when to send their students out to the bus stop
- Have more questions about Transportation? Visit their webpage for contact information.
- Visit our Food & Nutrition page to see monthly menus and find nutritional information
- See if you qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch and Textbook Assistance. Click here to apply online.
- Online payment for child’s meals
- Other Payment options
- Penn-Harris-Madison uses ParentSquare to send urgent alerts, such as school closings and delays.
- Principals and teachers also use it for noncurricular school and classroom communications.
- Penn High School coaches and teachers who sponsor clubs, academic teams or extracurricular activities use StudentSquare to safely communicate with students, without exchanging cell phone numbers. Click here for details on how students can sign up for StudentSquare.
- Click here for instructions on setting up your account.
- Once your account is set up, families can chose their preferred mode of communication for non-urgent notifications–app, text, email, phone. You can also chose to have all communications automatically translated to your preferred first language. Click here for details on how to personalize your account and check your notification settings.
- Make sure you sign up for ParentSquare to receive school closings/delays urgent alerts.
- Click to see how, when and what factors into P-H-M’s decision makings for 2-hour delays and closings.
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