Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation public meetings in 2024

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board will recognize outgoing board members, hear a presentation on enrollment forecasts, and consider a consent agenda including approval of $20.5 million in accounts payable and payroll, financial reports, and multiple donations to school programs. The meeting is largely procedural with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approval of $20,565,359 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims
• Hear 2024 evaluation of 2021 enrollment forecasts by McKibben Demographic Research
• Accept donations including $1,000 for Penn High School athletics, $451 and $356.78 for middle school music programs, and book donations
• Recognize outgoing board members James Garrett (8 years) and Clare Roach (4 years)
• Receive report from Penn High School Student/Board Ambassador Noah Shafer

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including financial reports, vendor contracts, and personnel changes. Members also authorized the initial planning and preparations for a Penn High School Early College trip to Alaska in 2027.

• Approved December 9, 2024 bills (7-0)
• Approved financial reports ending October 31, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved bids for gasoline, diesel, groceries, and paper products (7-0)
• Approved MOU with Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County for Grissom Middle School after care (7-0)
• Approved agreements with Aya Healthcare, Inc. and J. Chad Professional Training, LLC (7-0)
• Approved 21st Century Scholars Grant Award Agreement with correction to school name (7-0)
• Approved personnel report including four retirements and appointment of Jason Messner as Director of Facilities (7-0)
• Authorized planning for High School Early College trip to Alaska in June 2027 (7-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will consider approving $27,795,122.02 in accounts payable, insurance, payroll, and insurance claims; accept multiple donations to schools; and receive reports on a new parent communication platform and parent-teacher conference survey results.

• Approval of bills totaling $27,795,122.02 (accounts payable/insurance $6,347,946.56; payroll/insurance $21,447,175.46)
• Acceptance of a $15,000 donation from Penn Band Boosters Club to Penn High School
• Acceptance of a $5,000 donation from AdoptAClassroom.org to Walt Disney Elementary School
• Acceptance of a $3,776 donation from Elm Road PTO for a Flocabulary Plus license at Elm Road Elementary School
• Acceptance of donations of medical equipment valued at $1,498 from St. Joseph County Department of Health to Elm Road Elementary School

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering various operational contracts, financial reports, and student trip requests. The meeting also included a presentation on parent communication technology and the results of parent/teacher conference surveys.

• Approved bills and financial reports for period ending September 30, 2024
• Approved 2025 contracts with School Datebooks Inc. for school planners
• Approved school picture contracts for Madison Elementary, Discovery Middle, Penn High, Bittersweet Elementary, and Moran Elementary
• Appointed Mary Nicolini as representative to the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Board
• Approved renewal of service agreements with Low Associates, Inc. and Pear Deck Software
• Approved overnight athletic and academic trip requests for Penn High School
• Approved application for an advance loan from the Common School Fund
• Approved disposition of surplus vehicles and equipment

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board approved a consent agenda including bills totaling $18.57 million, financial reports for August, and donations to schools. The meeting was held at Bittersweet Elementary School.

• Approval of $18.57 million in bills and payroll
• Approval of financial reports for August 31, 2024
• Acceptance of $672.52 donation from Fanning/Howey
• Acceptance of $9,335.52 donation from Feed the Children
• Authorization to advertise for bids for groceries and paper goods

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including financial reports, staffing contracts, and safety grants. Additionally, the Board authorized a high school trip to Costa Rica and the planning phase for a middle school trip to Japan.

• Approved October 7, 2024 bills and financial reports through August 31, 2024 (5-0)
• Authorized bids for groceries, paper goods, gasoline, and diesel fuel (5-0)
• Approved partnership with Northern Indiana Workforce Development Board (5-0)
• Approved professional development agreement with Safe & Civil Schools (5-0)
• Approved contract renewal with Synovia Solutions for GPS/Parent Tracking (5-0)
• Approved Indiana Secured School Safety Grant (5-0)
• Approved Penn High School trip to Costa Rica for April 2025 (5-0)
• Authorized planning for Middle School trip to Japan for July 2026 (5-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a regular meeting on September 9, 2024. The consent agenda includes approval of bills/payroll totaling $9,900,790.87, financial reports for July 2024, and acceptance of donations. Superintendent recognitions highlight a $177,000 grant to Grissom Middle School and honors for Olympic medalists. The meeting also includes a public hearing opportunity.

• Approval of bills and payroll totaling $9,900,790.87 (Accounts Payable/Insurance $3,975,996.82, Payroll/Insurance $5,924,794.05)
• Grissom Middle School awarded Excellence in Academic Gains grant of up to $177,000 by IDOE
• Acceptance of donations: $500 Costco gift card for Walt Disney Elementary, $300 school supplies from Cornerstone Church, $250 from Kappa Kappa Kappa for Penn Theatre Department
• Financial reports for period ending July 31, 2024
• Superintendent recognitions for Yeoman Family Plaza naming, Sarah Hildebrandt parade, and PHM Education Foundation report

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met to approve routine financial and policy items. The board authorized over $14 million in total payments for accounts payable, insurance, and payroll. Additionally, the board reviewed donations and proposed changes to adult meal prices.

• Approval of $3,317,337.44 for Accounts Payable and Insurance
• Approval of $10,687,193.72 for Payroll and Insurance
• Acceptance of a $574.00 donation for Meadow's Edge Elementary field trips
• Acceptance of a $250.00 donation from Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. to Penn High School
• Proposed 15-cent increase for adult lunch prices for the 2024-2025 school year

The Board approved several policy updates, including new rules for personal communication devices and student suicide awareness. Members also approved the August 12 consent agenda, which included school meal prices and various service agreements. A public hearing was held for the 2025 budgets, though no public comments were made.

• Adopted new policy 5136 - Personal Communication Devices (7-0)
• Revised policy 5350 - Student Suicide and Awareness Prevention (7-0)
• Adopted replacement Bylaw 0100, Policy 5200 (Attendance), and Policy 8455 (Coach Training) (7-0)
• Approved August 12, 2024 bills and donations (6-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 adult breakfast and lunch prices (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Elkhart Area Career Center for 2024-2025 (6-0)
• Approved Mosyle Manager Subscription License and Safe & Civil Schools professional development (6-0)
• Approved Horizon Elementary 5th Grade trip to Camp Friedenswald (6-0)

Budget Work Session at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees is holding a budget work session to receive a presentation of the proposed 2025 budget from the Business Services Department. The board will also adopt the agenda and adjourn. Public participation is not authorized at work sessions.

• Presentation of proposed 2025 budget (Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Keeley
• Adoption of the work session agenda
• Adjournment of the work session

The Board of School Trustees held a work session to review the proposed budget for the period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Executive Director of Business Services Dr. Thomas Keeley presented expenditure requests and estimated revenue. No formal votes were taken on the budget proposal.

• Adopted the August 5, 2024 Budget Work Session agenda (7-0)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met to approve financial reports and a consent agenda. The board authorized payments for accounts payable and payroll and renewed several service contracts.

• Approval of $28,395,943.20 for accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims
• Renewal of K-12 Tech Midwest contract for Chromebook repair and service for $207,600.00
• Renewal of EZ Routing contract with TransAct Communications, LLC for $23,388
• Acceptance of a donation of psychological tests valued at $4,789.00 from Dr. Gary Elliot
• Approval of financial reports for the period ending June 30, 2024

The Board approved over $634,000 in capital improvements and a 12-year naming rights agreement for the Greg Dikos Field. Members also authorized the publication of the proposed 2025 budget and adopted revisions to 20 board bylaws and policies.

• Approved $634,640.13 for 2024 Capital Improvements (4-0)
• Approved 12-year naming rights agreement for Greg Dikos Field (4-0)
• Authorized publication of School Budget Form No. 3 for 2025 Budget (4-0)
• Adopted revisions to 20 board bylaws and policies (4-0)
• Approved renewal of K-12 Tech Midwest Chromebook repair contract (4-0)
• Approved renewal of EZ Routing contract (4-0)
• Approved renewal of Education Advanced Inc. subscription (4-0)
• Approved renewal of Logan Community Resources contract (4-0)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board will vote on routine financial items including $20.4 million in bills and payroll, approve financial reports, and accept over $75,000 in donations to various schools and programs. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a public hearing period.

• Approval of $20,437,919.71 in accounts payable and payroll
• Acceptance of donations totaling $75,092.14 for Discovery MS, Grissom MS, Penn High School (Robotics, Business, Republican Club, etc.), and Northpoint Elementary
• Approval of financial reports for period ending May 31, 2024
• Approval of minutes from May 20, 2024 regular meeting and May 14, 2024 special meeting
• Public hearing of visitors via email request before 6:30 p.m.

The Board approved a wide range of consent agenda items including financial reports, insurance renewals, and various educational service contracts. Personnel reports for administrative, certified, and classified employees were also approved.

• Approved June 24, 2024 bills
• Approved financial reports ending May 31, 2024
• Appointed Thomas Keeley as Treasurer and Maureen Munger as Deputy Treasurer
• Approved insurance renewal with Liberty Insurance for 7/2024-7/2025
• Approved security consultant agreement with Tim Corbett
• Approved photography agreements for Grissom Middle, Meadow's Edge, and Elsie Rogers schools
• Approved personnel report for administrative, certified, and classified employees
• Approved minutes from May 14 and May 20, 2024 meetings (4-1)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board approved the agenda, minutes from April, and a consent agenda including $17.88 million in bills and financial reports. The board also approved a $750,000 transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund.

• Approval of $17.88M in bills and payroll
• Approval of financial reports for April 30, 2024
• Approval of $750,000 transfer from Education to Operations Fund
• Approval of minutes from April 22, 2024 meeting
• Recognition of 2024 P-H-M Teachers of the Year

The Board of School Trustees approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering financial reports, personnel changes, and various service contracts. Key approvals included the 2024-2025 breakfast and lunch prices and a cooperative agreement with Vogue Beauty College. The board also recognized several employees of the year and a student ambassador.

• Approved May 20, 2024 bills and financial reports (6-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 elementary and secondary breakfast and lunch prices (6-0)
• Approved cooperative agreement with Vogue Beauty College for Vocational Cosmetology 2024-2025 (6-0)
• Approved contract renewals with New Avenues, Canvas Software, FMX, and Safe Hiring Solutions, LLC (6-0)
• Approved bids for groceries, paper goods, produce, bread, processed products, and dairy (6-0)
• Approved 2025 Financial Planning Calendar (6-0)
• Approved personnel report for administrative, certified, and classified employees (6-0)
• Approved monthly fund transfers for May 2024 (6-0)

Special Meeting at 7:00 pm

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a special meeting to discuss an allegation of criminal sexual misconduct by Trustee Matthew Chaffee. The board approved a resolution calling for his resignation by a 5-0 vote. No other substantive business was conducted.

• Board approved resolution calling for resignation of Trustee Matthew Chaffee following alleged criminal sexual misconduct

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met for a special meeting to address alleged criminal sexual misconduct by a board member. The board voted unanimously to approve a resolution calling for the resignation of Trustee Matthew Chaffee.

• Approved resolution calling for the resignation of Trustee Matthew Chaffee (5-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (5-0)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board approved a consent agenda including $17,762,309.64 in bills and payroll, financial reports, and monthly transfers of $750,000 from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund and $60,000 to the Penn Pals Fund. A motion to add a discussion on improving how trustees receive information before meetings failed in a 3-4 roll-call vote. The meeting also included an executive session, a student ambassador report, and a spotlight on Schmucker Middle School.

• Approval of $17,762,309.64 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims.
• Monthly transfer of $750,000 from Education Fund to Operations Fund for April 2024.
• Monthly transfer of $60,000 from Education Fund to Penn Pals Fund for April 2024.
• Failed motion (3-4) to add discussion on improving board information process (Trustee Chaffee request).
• Approval of minutes from March 25, 2024 executive session and regular meeting.

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including financial reports, personnel changes, and student trips. It also adopted revisions to Bylaw 0166.1 regarding the consent agenda in a 4-3 vote. A motion to add a discussion on trustee information processes to the agenda was denied.

• Denied motion to add discussion on trustee information process (4-3)
• Approved April 22, 2024 bills and financial reports
• Approved monthly fund transfers for April 2024
• Approved school services agreement with Crossing National, Inc. for 2024-2025
• Approved Isolved for COBRA insurance administration starting June 1, 2024
• Approved Soter Technologies agreement for vape detection renewal
• Approved student trips to Camp Friedenswald, Camp Eberhart, and Anaheim, CA
• Adopted revised Bylaw 0166.1 – Consent Agenda (4-3)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The board approved a consent agenda including $18.2 million in bills and financial reports, discussed revisions to Bylaw 0166.1 (consent agenda policy), and introduced Pete Riordan as the recommended Penn head football coach. An executive session was held prior, and a report noted $42,819.63 in Education Foundation grants awarded.

• Executive session at 6:30 p.m. before the public meeting
• Discussion of revisions to Bylaw 0166.1 on consent agenda procedures, second reading set for April 22
• Introduction of Pete Riordan, 20-year assistant coach, as proposed Penn head football coach
• Approval of bills totaling $18,212,288.60 including payroll and accounts payable
• Report on $42,819.63 in 2023 Education Foundation grants awarded to teachers and staff

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering financial reports, personnel, and service contracts. They also approved the appointment of Pete Riordan as the new Head Football Coach. Revisions to Bylaw 0166.1 were discussed and tabled for a second reading on April 22, 2024.

• Approved appointment of Pete Riordan as Head Football Coach
• Approved March 25, 2024 bills and financial reports ending February 29, 2024
• Approved renewal of agreement with Five Star for 2024 Summer School Program
• Approved contracts with Smekens Education Solutions, Inc and Safe & Civil Schools for professional development
• Approved agreement with PowerSchool Group, LLC for Naviance software
• Approved 8th grade class trips to Washington D.C. for Discovery, Grissom, and Schmucker Middle Schools
• Approved authorization to advertise for bids for groceries, produce, bread, and dairy
• Tabled vote on Bylaw 0166.1 revisions to April 22, 2024

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board held its regular meeting, which included an executive session, adoption of the agenda with amendments, approval of minutes, and a consent agenda. The board voted 4-3 to add a public presentation by administrators on policies regarding unruly student behavior to the March meeting. The consent agenda approving $12,232,557.07 in bills and financial reports was also passed.

• Approval of bills totaling $12,232,557.07 for accounts payable, payroll, and insurance
• Board voted 4-3 to add a presentation on student discipline policies to March meeting
• Recognition of Bittersweet Elementary Spell Bowl state champions
• Penn High School first semester achievement report presented
• Monthly transfer of $750,000 from Education Fund to Operations Fund approved

The Board approved adding a vote to the March meeting agenda regarding a public presentation on policies for addressing unruly student behavior. The Board also approved the February 27, 2023 personnel report and the minutes from the February 12, 2024 meeting. Other consent agenda items were moved to the business and operational action section.

• Approved adding a vote for a March presentation on unruly student behavior policies (4-3)
• Denied adding policy 0166 (Agenda) as a discussion item (5-2)
• Approved February 12, 2024 Executive Session and Regular Board Meeting minutes (6-1)
• Denied two requested amendments to the February 12 minutes (5-2 each)
• Approved February 27, 2023 Personnel Report (7-0)
• Adopted February 26, 2024 board agenda as amended (7-0)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board will hold a regular meeting following a 6:30 p.m. executive session. The consent agenda includes approval of accounts payable and payroll totaling $14,990,724.55, monthly transfers of $750,000 to Operations Fund and $30,839.81 to Penn Pals Fund, and acceptance of donations for Prairie Vista and Elm Road elementary schools. The board will also hear a student ambassador report and a recognition of the Elm Road 'Jumping Eagles' jump-rope team.

• Approval of accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims totaling $14,990,724.55
• Monthly transfer of $750,000 from Education Fund to Operations Fund for January 2024
• Monthly transfer of $30,839.81 from Education Fund to Penn Pals preschool fund for January 2024
• Acceptance of $1,500 donation from Derby Photography for Prairie Vista Elementary student activities
• Acceptance of $5,000 donation from Beim Foundation for Elm Road Elementary

The Board approved a series of consent agenda items including multiple bill payments, fund transfers, and equipment purchases. They also authorized several student trips and a service agreement for fiber service at Madison Elementary School.

• Approved Register of Claims/Check Registers for various dates (5-1-1)
• Approved monthly transfers from Education Fund to Operations and Penn Pals Funds (5-1-1)
• Approved agreement with Youth Service Bureau for Summer 2024 school services (5-1-1)
• Approved purchase of Chromebooks for incoming 6th and 9th grade classes and elementary replacements (5-1-1)
• Approved overnight trip for 9th grade Biology students to Camp Eberhart (5-1-1)
• Approved trip requests for Penn High School Winter Guard and DECA students (5-1-1)
• Approved Comcast Cable service agreement extension for Madison Elementary through June 2027 (5-1-1)
• Approved Lexia Learning Systems LLC quotes (5-1-1)

Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees approved a consent agenda including $8,486,238.11 in accounts payable, payroll, and insurance, as well as financial reports and placement of interest funds. A motion to add a board vote on who instructed an employee to prepare a document concerning a parent failed 3-3. The board also held an executive session at 6:30 p.m. before the public meeting.

• Approved consent agenda with $2,976,976.25 in accounts payable/insurance and $5,509,261.86 in payroll/insurance
• Approved placement of 10% of interest earned (approx. $215,000 annually) into the Rainy Day Fund
• Approved disposition of old/obsolete instructional materials from Schmucker Middle School
• Failed motion (3-3) to add a vote on who instructed an employee to create a seven-page document about a parent
• Executive session held at 6:30 p.m. before the 7 p.m. regular meeting

The Board approved a consent agenda including multiple bill payments, financial reports, and athletic trip requests. It also approved a resolution to transfer $750,000 from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund for 2024. A motion to add a vote regarding employee conduct to the agenda failed in a 3-3 tie.

• Approved $750,000 monthly transfer from Education Fund to Operations Fund (6-0)
• Approved Register of Claims/Check Registers dated Dec 11, 2023 through Jan 22, 2024
• Approved financial reports ending December 31, 2023
• Approved placement of interest funds
• Approved disposition of obsolete materials from Schmucker Middle School
• Approved authorization for facility/classroom naming rights documents
• Approved overnight athletic trips for Girls Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis, and Boys Golf
• Approved overnight trips for High School Debate Team to Chesterton and Kokomo

Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

The P-H-M Board of School Trustees held its regular meeting Jan. 8, preceded by an executive session and board of finance meeting. The board administered oaths to seven returning members, then elected Chris Riley as president, Ryan McCullough as vice-president, and Clare Roach as secretary. They approved $30,190,127.27 in accounts payable, payroll, and insurance bills, and tabled two consent agenda items. Motions to add independent investigations into a personnel matter and compensation disparities failed.

• Approved $30,190,127.27 in bills (accounts payable, payroll, and insurance)
• Elected Chris Riley president, Ryan McCullough vice-president, Clare Roach secretary
• Failed motions to add third-party investigation of Mr. Ben Dallas and review of ESC administration compensation disparities
• Heard 2023 evaluation of 2021 enrollment forecasts from McKibben Demographic Research
• Tabled consent agenda items 10.06 and 10.07

The Board of School Trustees elected its 2024 officers and administered the Oath of Office to seven returning members. The Board of Finance reviewed the school corporation's financial condition using Fiscal Indicators. Two proposed agenda additions regarding a third-party investigation and a compensation review were denied.

• Elected Chris Riley as President (5-2)
• Elected Ryan McCullough as Vice President (5-2)
• Elected Clare Roach as Secretary (6-1)
• Denied motion for third-party investigation regarding Ben Dallas (5-2)
• Denied motion for independent third-party review of ESC administration compensation (4-3)
• Tabled Consent Agenda items 10.06 and 10.07 (7-0)
• Approved Minutes from December 11, 2023 Executive Session and Regular Board Meeting (7-0)

Board of Finance Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

At its annual meeting, the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board of Finance elected Clare Roach as president and Ryan McCullough as secretary. The board also appointed Dr. Thomas Keeley and Maureen Munger as investing officers. The board reviewed the 2023 investment portfolio and fiscal indicators.

• Clare Roach elected President of Board of Finance (7-1 vote)
• Ryan McCullough elected Secretary (7-1 vote)
• Dr. Thomas Keeley and Maureen Munger appointed as investing officers
• Review of 2023 investments and fiscal indicators presented
• Minutes from January 9, 2023 meeting approved

The Board of Finance held its annual meeting to elect leadership and appoint investing officers. The board also reviewed the school corporation's previous year of investments and fiscal indicators.

• Elected Clare Roach as President of the Board of Finance (6-1)
• Elected Ryan McCullough as Secretary of the Board of Finance (6-1)
• Appointed Dr. Thomas Keeley and Mrs. Maureen Munger as investing officers (7-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes from the January 9, 2023 meeting (7-0)