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Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, IN

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation public meetings in 2020

24 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 14, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

PHM School Board approves $16.1M in bills, recognizes outgoing member

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a regular meeting on December 14, 2020, preceded by an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The board approved a consent agenda that included $16,158,243.95 in accounts payable and payroll, monthly financial reports, and a $692,583 transfer from the education fund to the operations fund. The board also recognized outgoing board member Gary Fox for 20 years of service and heard a student ambassador report.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $605,000 purchase for 2,500 Chromebooks

The Board authorized the purchase of 2,500 HP Chromebooks for incoming students and elementary replacements. Other actions included approving several consent agenda items and a change order for the Penn High School building addition.

Mon Nov 23, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves $7.3 million in payments and payroll

The Penn‑Harris‑Madison Board of School Trustees approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes. It adopted a consent agenda that includes $7,309,826.52 for accounts payable, insurance and payroll, a $692,583 transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund, and two $100 athletics donations. The board also heard a student/board ambassador report and a superintendent video presentation.

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✓ Decided: Board approves 2021 wage and benefit considerations for district employees

The Board approved a series of wage and benefit considerations for various employee groups for 2021. Other actions included approving bills, financial reports, and a contract with DLZ Consulting. The Board also received a demographic report on enrollment forecasts.

Mon Nov 9, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves over $15 million in bills and student handbook contracts

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met to approve routine financial payments and consent agenda items. The board also reviewed technology initiatives and accepted several donations for school programs.

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✓ Decided: Board approves new teacher agreement and increases substitute pay

The Board approved a one-year teacher agreement with salary ranges from $41,000 to $71,048 and increased pay for substitute teachers. Other actions included approving a snow removal pilot program and a change order for Meadows Edge Elementary. The Board also approved several consent agenda items, including bills and personnel reports.

Mon Nov 2, 2020

Special Meeting at 8:30 a.m.

Board holds hearing on teacher contract, adopts capital and bus plans

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board held a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on the tentative 2020-2021 teacher agreement between the district and the teachers' association, which was ratified by the union on Oct 21. The board also held a public hearing and adopted resolutions for the 2021-2023 Capital Improvement Plan and the 2021-2025 Bus Replacement Plan, a process repeated due to a change in DLGF procedures. Formal approval of the teacher agreement is scheduled for the Nov 9 regular meeting.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts 2021-2023 Capital Improvement and 2021-2025 Bus Replacement Plans

The board held public hearings for a proposed teacher agreement and infrastructure plans. The 2021-2023 Capital Improvement Plan and 2021-2025 Bus Replacement Plan were approved. A vote on the proposed teacher agreement was scheduled for November 9, 2020.

Mon Oct 12, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves $9.48 million in bills and fund transfers

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board will adopt its meeting agenda and approve minutes from prior meetings. It will approve a consent agenda that includes payment of $9,481,124.95 in accounts payable, insurance and payroll claims. The board will also approve financial reports for the period ending September 30, 2020, a $692,583 monthly transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund, and authorize advertising for a groceries and paper goods bid for Jan‑Jun 2021.

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✓ Decided: Board approves workforce partnership and various operational expenditures

The Board approved a partnership commitment with the Northern Indiana Workforce Development Board. Members also approved a series of consent agenda items including equipment purchases, financial reports, and personnel changes.

Wed Sep 30, 2020

Special Meeting at 7:00 pm

Board approves changes to elementary in-person and virtual teaching models

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a special meeting on September 30, 2020, preceded by an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The board adopted the agenda and approved changes to the elementary in-person and virtual concurrent teaching model. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2020.

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✓ Decided: Board approves changes to elementary in-person and virtual teaching models

The Board approved a plan to separate elementary teaching responsibilities so teachers focus on either virtual or in-person instruction rather than both concurrently. The change is scheduled to begin Monday, October 12, and may result in some students changing classroom assignments.

Mon Sep 21, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

School board to approve $13.5M in bills and payroll, including $693K monthly transfer

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees is meeting to act on a consent agenda approving $13,462,463.01 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims, along with financial reports and a $692,583 monthly transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund. The board will also hear reports from a student ambassador and an elementary principal, and adopt minutes from prior sessions.

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✓ Decided: School Board approves staff stress management contract and building improvements

The Board approved a contract with Applied EQ Group for voluntary adult social emotional learning initiatives. Several consent agenda items were passed, including financial reports and personnel changes. The Board also approved bid awards for capital building improvement projects.

Mon Aug 31, 2020

Special Meeting at 7:00 pm

Board approved Return to In Person Learning Plan for 2020-2021

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a special meeting on August 31, 2020, beginning with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The public meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance and adoption of the agenda. The Board then voted to re-adopt Policy 3220.01 on Teacher Appreciation Grants and approved the Return to In Person Learning Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Announcements included the next regular meeting scheduled for September 21, 2020.

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✓ Decided: Board approves phased return to in-person and hybrid learning for 2020-2021

The Board approved a tiered plan to transition students from virtual to in-person or hybrid learning starting September 14, 2020. The plan varies by grade level and allows families to remain 100% virtual. The Board also re-adopted the Teacher Appreciation Grants policy.

Mon Aug 24, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Board approves $7.4M in bills and financial reports at regular meeting

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board approved a consent agenda that included $7,437,738.70 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll, along with financial reports for July 2020. The board also accepted two donations totaling $400 for Penn High School and authorized disposal of obsolete library books at Prairie Vista Elementary. The meeting began with an executive session and included approval of prior meeting minutes and superintendent announcements.

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✓ Decided: School Board approves $1.1M purchase of 10 new school buses

The Board approved the purchase of 10 Thomas C2 66-passenger buses and awarded a bid for middle school discus cage improvements. Members also approved the August 24 bills, financial reports, and personnel reports. A public hearing was held for the 2021 budgets, though no community members provided comments.

Mon Aug 10, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Board approves $10.8M in bills and revised 2019 financial report

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board met on August 10, 2020, following an executive session and budget work session. The board unanimously approved a consent agenda including $10.8M in accounts payable and payroll, a $692,583 monthly transfer from the education fund to the operations fund, and a contract with K-12 Tech Midwest for Chromebook repairs. The board also authorized publication of the revised 2019 annual financial report.

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✓ Decided: Board appoints new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

The Board appointed Derrick White as the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. Other actions included approving the 2019 revised annual financial report and a health services agreement with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. The Board also authorized the publication of the proposed 2021 budget notice to taxpayers.

Mon Aug 10, 2020

Budget Work Session at 6:00 p.m.

Board hears 2021 budget presentation at work session

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a budget work session to discuss the proposed 2021 budget. The Business Services Department presented the budget for the fiscal year from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. No formal action was taken as this was a work session for discussion only, and public participation was not authorized.

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✓ Decided: Board reviews proposed 2021 budget of $115.8M

The Board held a work session to review the advertised 2021 budget, which includes the Education, Operation, Debt Service, and Rainy Day funds. The session focused on revenue streams, enrollment trends, and potential funding cuts due to virtual learning. No final budget adoption occurred during this session.

Mon Aug 3, 2020

Special Meeting at 7:00 pm

Board to vote on return-to-school plan for 2020-2021

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a special meeting to consider a single action item: authorization of the Return to School Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm following a closed executive session at 6:30 pm. Public comment is available virtually by emailing [email protected].

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✓ Decided: PHM School Board begins 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning

The board adopted the meeting agenda and reviewed a virtual learning plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Superintendent Dr. Thacker recommended starting the year virtually from August 19 until at least September 11, following St. Joseph County Department of Health guidance.

Mon Jul 20, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves $19.6M in bills and routine financial transfers for July 2020.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met on July 20, 2020, to approve routine financial and administrative items. The board approved $19,639,195.92 in July accounts payable, payroll, and insurance claims to cover district operations and staff salaries. The board also approved a $692,583 monthly transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund for non-instructional expenses and authorized the publication of the 2019 Annual Financial Report. The meeting included a closed executive session at 6:30 p.m., though the agenda does not list specific discussion topics for that session.

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✓ Decided: School Board approves consent agenda including vocational agreements and safety protocols

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering financial reports, personnel changes, and multiple service contracts. Members also reviewed the 'Return To Learn' safety protocols for the 2020-2021 school year, focusing on in-person learning environments.

Wed Jul 1, 2020

Special Meeting at 9:00 am

School board approves new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer position

During a special meeting, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees approved the creation of a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer position and adopted a Resolution on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality. The board also announced the formation of a Superintendent's Advisory Council to Address Racial Injustice and Discrimination. All actions were passed unanimously.

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✓ Decided: Board approves new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer position

The Board of School Trustees approved the creation of a new administrative position for a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Officer. Additionally, the Board passed a resolution to implement reforms to eradicate racism and racial injustice within the school corporation.

Mon Jun 15, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves $16.3M in bills, recognizes teachers of year

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board will hold a regular meeting at 7 p.m. after a 6:30 executive session. The board approved a consent agenda including $16,276,120.74 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll. The board will recognize Amy Zimmer as Secondary Teacher of the Year, Jessie Kinney as Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Rita Szweda as Classified Employee of the Year. New principals Amy Fadorsen (Horizon Elementary) and Lisa Russell (Moran Elementary) were announced.

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✓ Decided: Board approves June consent agenda and financial reports

The Board of School Trustees approved the June 15, 2020 consent agenda, which included the approval of bills, financial reports, and personnel updates. The meeting also included a final report from the Superintendent's Advisory Council regarding school safety and social-emotional learning.

Mon May 18, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves $14.3M in bills and $692K fund transfer

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board approved a consent agenda covering $14,344,629.28 in accounts payable, payroll, and insurance claims, as well as financial reports for April 2020 and a monthly transfer of $692,583 from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund. The board also recognized the 2020 Secondary Teacher of the Year (Amy Zimmer), Elementary Teacher of the Year (Jessie Kinney), and Classified Employee of the Year (Rita Szweda). An executive session was held at 6:30 p.m. prior to the public meeting.

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✓ Decided: Board approves agenda and previous meeting minutes

The Board of School Trustees met via electronic communication to conduct procedural business. The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 20, 2020, regular and executive sessions. The meeting also included recognitions for teachers and staff.

Wed May 13, 2020

Special Meeting at 7 p.m.

School board to vote on lease amendment for fire station at 12641 McKinley Highway

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees is holding a special meeting to consider two agreements with Penn Township regarding property at 12641 McKinley Highway for a fire station. The board will vote on a first amendment to a lease agreement and a non-exclusive license agreement for access. All other items are procedural.

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✓ Decided: Board approves lease amendment and license for Penn Township fire station

The Board approved a lease amendment to adjust the boundary of a property at 12641 McKinley Highway to avoid encroaching on a school-used pole barn. The Board also approved a non-exclusive license agreement for Penn Township to construct and maintain a driveway for fire station access on school property.

Mon Apr 20, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

School board to approve $20.3M in bills and routine items

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a regular meeting at 7 p.m. on April 20, 2020, preceded by an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The board is expected to approve a consent agenda that includes payment of $20,311,161.74 in accounts payable and payroll, monthly fund transfers, and adoption of the Kids Club Parent Handbook for the 2020-2021 school year.

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✓ Decided: Board approves 2020-2021 student handbooks and athletic codes

The Board approved revisions to several student handbooks and athletic codes of conduct for the 2020-2021 school year. The Board also passed a consent agenda covering financial reports, personnel updates, and a transportation software pilot.

Mon Mar 23, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

PHM school board to approve $9.4M in bills and routine consent agenda

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a regular meeting with an executive session beforehand. The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of bills totaling $9,447,144.15, monthly fund transfers, financial reports, and a small donation.

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✓ Decided: School Board approves 20-item consent agenda and technology upgrades

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including personnel changes, financial reports, and various service agreements. Additionally, the Board authorized $228,956 for new computers, monitors, and Chromebooks for students and teachers.

Mon Feb 24, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

School board to approve $7.3M in bills and payroll items

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a regular meeting at Horizon Elementary. Before the public meeting, the board will conduct an executive session at 6:30 p.m. under Indiana's Open Meetings Law. The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes paying $7,296,306.40 in bills and payroll, approving a $692,583 fund transfer, and accepting a $1,000 anonymous donation. They will also hear a report from a Penn High School student ambassador and a Spotlight presentation from Horizon Elementary.

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✓ Decided: Board approves consent agenda including bills and personnel reports

The Board of School Trustees approved the February 24, 2020 consent agenda, which included the payment of multiple bills and a personnel report. The meeting also featured reports on student achievements at Penn High School and Horizon Elementary School.

Mon Feb 10, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

PHM Board approves bills, transfers, and school donations

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met to approve various financial actions. These included the ratification of payroll and accounts payable, a monthly fund transfer, and several school donations.

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Mon Jan 27, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

Board approves $6.46 million in payments and payroll

The Penn‑Harris‑Madison Board of School Trustees will adopt the meeting agenda and approve minutes from the January 13 session. It will vote on a consent agenda that includes $6,458,578.21 for accounts payable, insurance and payroll, and approve 2019 Education Foundation grant reports. The board will also accept several donations and hear recognitions and a school spotlight presentation.

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✓ Decided: Board approves agenda and previous meeting minutes

The Board of School Trustees adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from the January 13, 2020, executive and regular sessions. The meeting included reports on student achievements and a detailed presentation of the 2019 P-H-M Education Foundation Fall Grants Report.

Mon Jan 13, 2020

Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Board elects officers for 2020, approves $19.6M consent agenda

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held an organizational meeting including an executive session at 6:15 p.m. and a Board of Finance meeting at 6:45 p.m. The board elected Chris Riley as President, Larry Beehler as Vice-President, and Angie Gates as Secretary for 2020, and recognized the 2019 President. The board also approved a consent agenda that included bills totaling $19,571,357.28 and acceptance of donations to local schools.

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✓ Decided: Board elects officers for 2020

The Board of School Trustees elected its leadership for the 2020 term. The board also approved the meeting agenda, previous minutes, and a series of claims and student trip requests.

Mon Jan 13, 2020

Board of Finance Meeting at 6:45 p.m.

Board of Finance elects officers, appoints investing officers, reviews investments

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board of Finance held its annual meeting, adopting the agenda and approving minutes. It elected Jamie Woods as President and Jaye Galloway as Secretary, and appointed Jerry Hawkins and Victoria Roush as investing officers. The board also reviewed the 2019 investment portfolio and fiscal indicators. All actions carried unanimously.

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✓ Decided: Board of Finance elects officers and appoints investing officers

The Board of Finance held its annual meeting to elect leadership and appoint investing officers. The board reviewed the 2019 investment portfolio and the district's overall financial health. No new policies were changed, and the board approved the agenda and previous minutes.