The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted this morning to fill the two vacant Penn Township Board seats. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Mr. James Turnwald to Seat #1 filling the vacancy left by Mrs. Jaye Galloway. Mr. Turnwald will carry out the rest of the term, which is set to expire at the end of 2022. The Board also voted in a unanimous decision to appoint Mr. Ryan McCullough to fill the vacancy of Penn Township Seat #2, vacated by Mr. Jamie Woods. Mr. McCullough's appointment will last through 2024. Both Mr. Turnwald and Mr. McCullough may choose to run for election for the ensuing four-year term with elections taking place in November 2022 for Seat #1 and November 2024 for Seat #2.
Mr. Turnwald serves as the Executive Director of the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) and a Board Member of the Potawatomi Zoo. He has a bachelor’s degree in Geography & Urban Planning from Miami University (Oxford, OH) and a master’s in Public Affairs from IUSB. He and his wife have four daughters, with two of their oldest enrolled at Meadow's Edge. He brings a wealth of experience in civil government, planning, finance and infrastructure. As a P-H-M parent, he is passionate about education and supporting the growth and self-actualization of all students.
Mr. McCullough is a 1995 graduate of Penn High School Mr. McCullough attended Western State College of Colorado and was a member of the US Ski Team Freestyle 2004-2005. He works as a Sales & Marketing Executive for Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle out of Denver. Mr. McCullough and his wife, also a Penn grad, returned to Penn Township several years ago to raise their three children: Class of 2020 Penn grad, daughter at Schmucker, and son at Penn. Mr. McCullough is actively involved in the P-H-M community including volunteering as a Penn Freshman Football Coach.
Board President Mr. Christopher Riley said of the appointees, “The Board warmly welcomes Ryan McCullough and James Turnwald. The Board received many qualified applications and we thank all who applied. Ryan and James will be terrific members of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees. Both gentlemen are forward thinking, collaborative, and committed to the success of P-H-M. All Board Members are excited about working as a cohesive unit for the best interest of all P-H-M students and families.”
Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker added, “I am proud to welcome Mr. McCullough and Mr. Turnwald to the Board of School Trustees. They both exemplify passion and a commitment to excellence and the P-H-M Triangle of Success. I am confident that they will be outstanding, contributing members of our team.”
Mr. Turnwald and Mr. McCullough will be sworn in and take their Oath of Office of at the regular December 13 Board of School Trustees board meeting. Click here for a listing of all board meeting dates.
Mr. Turnwald and Mr. McCullough were chosen from among eight finalists. The other six finalists included Mrs. Anne Bolster, Mr. Vance Cole, Mr. Robert Hyde, Mrs. Ashley Leader, Mrs. Michelle Peters, and Mr. Andrew Tipton. Public interviews of these applicants took place during special board meetings held November 29 and 30. The final vote on the two appointees took place at a special board meeting held 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 1. The process the Board of School Trustees followed for filling the vacancies is posted on the P-H-M District website at this link: https://www.phmschools.org/district-info/nov-2021/two-penn-twp-board-school-trustees-seats-vacant-school-board-seeking. The letters of intent and resumes of all 14 people who applied for the two Penn Township vacancies can be found here: https://www.phmschools.org/school-board/nov-2021/penn-twp-board-seat-appointee-applicants.
