Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation public meetings in 2025

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The board will meet at 6:00 p.m. after a 5:30 p.m. executive session. Items include approval of $20.1 million in bills and payroll, acceptance of $7,333 in donations, and ratification of new Penn Township Trustee Jennifer Smoker's oath. Recognitions include Penn High School receiving a $25,000 state grant and assistant principal named State Assistant Principal of the Year.

• Approval of $20,111,388.95 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll bills
• Acceptance of donations: $283 to Grissom Middle School, $3,200 and $3,850 to Penn High School
• Ceremonial Oath of Office for new Penn Township Trustee Jennifer Smoker
• Penn High School awarded $25,000 IDOE Excellence in Data-Driven Support Award
• Penn High School Assistant Principal Josiah Parker named 2025 State Assistant Principal of the Year

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The board will discuss a 10-year enrollment forecast presentation, recognize the state-champion girls flag football team, and approve bills totaling $24.85 million and multiple donations. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items and approval of prior minutes.

• Enrollment forecast presentation for 2025-2035 by McKibben Demographic Research
• Approval of accounts payable and payroll totaling $24,852,894.25
• Acceptance of donations including $10,000 to Penn High School marching band and $3,888 to Elm Road Elementary
• Recognition of Penn High School Girls Flag Football Team for winning first-ever Indiana state championship
• Presentation of parent/teacher conference survey results

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees approved the meeting agenda and several previous session minutes. The board also passed a wide range of consent agenda items including financial reports, service agreements, and personnel updates.

• Adopted November 10, 2025, meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved September and October 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved November 10, 2025 bills
• Approved financial reports ending September 30, 2025
• Accepted school donations
• Approved school photo contract
• Approved 2026 school planner contracts with School Datebooks Inc.
• Approved Low Associates, Inc. service agreement renewal

Special Meeting at 9:00 a.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a special meeting on November 3, 2025, and voted to appoint a new Penn Township Trustee. The meeting also included procedural items such as adopting the agenda and adjourning. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

• Appointment of P-H-M's newest Penn Township Trustee (board voted unanimously, appointee not named in agenda)

The Board of School Trustees appointed Jennifer Smoker to fill the vacancy for Penn Township Trustee, Seat #1. This position was vacated by Matt Chaffee following his resignation on October 8, 2025. Mrs. Smoker will serve the remainder of the term ending December 31, 2026.

• Adopted November 3, 2025 special meeting agenda (5-0)
• Elected Jennifer Smoker as Penn Township Trustee, Seat #1 (5-0)

Special Meeting at 8:30 a.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees is holding a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on the tentative 2025-2026 Teacher Agreement between the district and the teachers' association. The agreement was ratified by the teachers' association on October 8, 2025, and is scheduled for formal board approval on November 10, 2025. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and announcements.

• Public hearing on tentative 2025-2026 Teacher Agreement (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026)
• Teacher association ratified the agreement on October 8, 2025
• Formal board approval scheduled for November 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
• Special meeting held at Educational Services Center, 55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka
• Next regular board meeting set for November 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

The Board held a public hearing regarding a tentative one-year teacher agreement covering July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The proposal includes salary increases and changes to medical insurance plans. A final vote on the agreement is scheduled for the November 10, 2025, regular board meeting.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Held public hearing on proposed teacher agreement
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Special Meeting at 6 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will interview five applicants for the Penn Township board seat left vacant by Matt Chaffee's resignation. The board will announce the appointment at a special meeting on November 3, 2025. An executive session precedes the public meeting.

• Interviews with five candidates: William 'Matt' Ludwig, Jennifer L Smoker, John 'Todd' Douthit, Ryan C Woodruff, Brandon M Kastner
• Appointment announcement set for November 3, 2025 special meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• Executive session (closed) at 5:30 p.m. before public meeting

The Board of School Trustees adopted the October 28, 2025 special meeting agenda by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting included interviews of five candidates for the Penn Township vacancy and announced that the appointment will be revealed at a November 3, 2025 special meeting. The session was then adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Adopted meeting agenda (5-0)
• Adjourned special meeting (5-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees approved a consent agenda including $23,530,989.40 in bills and payroll, financial reports for July and August 2025, donations totaling $847.50 to three schools, and authorization to advertise for bids for groceries and paper goods for January–June 2026. The board also recognized a student ambassador and heard a presentation on Moran Elementary's kindness program.

• Approval of $23,530,989.40 in accounts payable, payroll, and insurance
• Authorization to advertise for bids for groceries and paper goods for Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026
• Acceptance of donations: $250 to Northpoint Elementary, $300 to Penn High School, $297.50 to Grissom Middle School
• Approval of financial reports for periods ending July 31 and August 31, 2025
• Approval of minutes from the September 8, 2025 regular board meeting

The Board approved a 12-year naming rights agreement for the Dr. A. Dean Speicher Educational Services Center. Members also adopted revisions to 14 board bylaws and policies and approved a series of consent agenda items including financial reports and placement agreements.

• Approved Dr. A. Dean Speicher Educational Services Center Naming Rights Agreement (5-0)
• Adopted revisions to 14 board bylaws and policies (5-0)
• Approved October 6, 2025 bills (5-0)
• Approved financial reports for periods ending July 31 and August 31, 2025 (5-0)
• Authorized bids for groceries, paper goods, gasoline, and diesel fuel (5-0)
• Approved placement agreements with Western Governors University and Goshen College (5-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Bethel University (5-0)
• Approved replacement computers and Fall/Winter 2025 Penn Robotics Workshops (5-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board approved $13.6 million in bills and financial reports for June 2025. It also renewed a contract with Logan Community Resources for pre-employment transition services for special education students. The board accepted donations totaling over $27,000 to various schools and programs.

• Approved $13,659,013.13 in accounts payable and payroll
• Renewed contract with Logan Community Resources for pre-employment transition services
• Accepted $14,760 donation to Penn High School Marching Band
• Accepted $4,898.46 donation to Grissom Middle School athletics
• Approved financial reports for period ending June 30, 2025

The Board of School Trustees adopted the 2026 budgets for education, operations, and debt service funds. They also authorized planning for a proposed summer 2027 student/teacher trip to Europe. Several items were approved via the consent agenda.

• Adopted September 8, 2025 meeting agenda (6-1)
• Approved August 4 and August 11, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved various consent agenda items including bills, financial reports, donations, and contracts
• Authorized planning for Summer 2027 middle school trip to Europe (7-0)
• Adopted 2026 budgets for Education, Operations, and Debt Service funds (7-0)
• Adopted 2026-2028 Capital Improvement Plan and 2026-2030 Bus Replacement Plan (7-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will vote on the adoption of the agenda, approval of minutes, and a consent agenda that includes approval of bills totaling $20,008,630.40, re-adoption of a residency verification policy, an agreement with the Elkhart Area Career Center for the 2025-2026 school year, approval of Community Education class fees for fall and winter, and renewal of the EZ Routing contract. The meeting also includes the Pledge of Allegiance, call to order, and a hearing of visitors.

• Approval of bills totaling $20,008,630.40 (accounts payable, insurance, payroll)
• Re-adoption of Policy 6250 on residency verification for state funding
• Agreement with Elkhart Area Career Center for 2025-2026 occupational training for Penn High School students
• Approval of Community Education class fee schedules for Fall 2025 and tentative Winter 2025-2026
• Renewal of EZ Routing contract (no dollar amount specified)

The Board approved several operational items via a consent agenda, including school year agreements and personnel changes. A public hearing was held regarding the 2026 budgets and capital plans, though no community members spoke.

• Approved bills for August 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Re-adopted Policy 6250 regarding ADM counts and residency verification (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 agreement with Elkhart Area Career Center (5-0)
• Approved community education class fees for Fall and Winter 2025 (5-0)
• Approved renewal of EZ Routing contract (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 agreement with Indiana University for course materials (5-0)
• Approved August 11, 2025 personnel report (5-0)

Budget Work Session at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a budget work session to receive a presentation on the proposed budget for the 2026 calendar year (January 1 – December 31, 2026). The Business Services Department compiled the requests, and CFO Zac Quiett will present. No votes or public comment are authorized; this is a discussion-only session.

• Presentation of the 2026 budget covering January 1 to December 31, 2026
• Chief Financial Officer Zac Quiett scheduled to present the budget overview
• Public may attend but may not participate; no board action taken on the budget

The Board of School Trustees held a work session to review the proposed budget for the year beginning January 1, 2026. Chief Financial Officer Zac Quiett presented expenditure requests and estimated revenue. No formal vote was taken on the budget proposal.

• Adopted agenda for the August 4, 2025 Budget Work Session (5-0)

Regular Meeting at 6 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board is meeting to adopt the agenda, approve minutes from June, and vote on a consent agenda. The consent agenda includes approval of $25.4 million in bills, acceptance of a $350 donation to Elm Road Elementary, renewal of Chromebook repair services for $197,250, renewal of teacher evaluation software for $27,536, and a two-year physical therapy services agreement with Beacon Health System at $123 per hour. The meeting is largely routine with no separate public hearing items.

• Approval of $25,356,794.18 in accounts payable and payroll
• Acceptance of $350 donation to Elm Road Elementary School
• Renewal of K-12 Tech Midwest Chromebook repair contract for $197,250
• Renewal of Education Advanced teacher evaluation software subscription for $27,536
• Affiliation agreement with Beacon Health System for physical therapy services at $123/hour through August 2027

The Board approved several capital projects, including a Penn High School band room addition and ADA compliance updates at Elm Road Elementary. Members also authorized the publication of the 2026 budget notice and approved various service contracts and personnel reports.

• Approved Penn High School band room addition for $3,696,100 (6-0)
• Approved Elm Road Elementary stairway enclosure and restroom additions for $2,114,600 and $935,400 (6-0)
• Authorized publication of School Budget Form No. 3 for the 2026 Budget (6-0)
• Approved renewal of K-12 Tech Midwest Chromebook repair contract (6-0)
• Approved Beacon Health System physical therapy agreement through August 31, 2027 (6-0)
• Approved ESS substitute services renewal (6-0)
• Approved personnel report including retirement of Terry Richards (6-0)
• Reappointed Christopher Riley and Ryan McCullough to ISBA roles (5-1)

Regular Meeting at 6 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a regular meeting on June 23, 2025, at the Educational Services Center. The board adopted the agenda, approved previous meeting minutes, and approved a consent agenda that included $25,335,565.35 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims, financial reports for April and May 2025, and acceptance of donations. The meeting also featured recognitions of staff and students.

• Approval of bills totaling $25,335,565.35, including $6,327,146.74 in accounts payable and insurance and $19,008,418.61 in payroll and insurance
• Approval of financial reports for periods ending April 30, 2025 and May 31, 2025
• Acceptance of donations to Penn-Harris-Madison schools and programs
• Approval of minutes from May 15, May 19, and May 27, 2025 meetings
• Impact Awards recognition for academic growth in classrooms

The Board of School Trustees approved a comprehensive consent agenda covering financial reports, insurance renewals, and safety consultant agreements. They also appointed the School Corporation Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer for the 2025-2026 school year. A motion to rescind a 2020 DEI Resolution failed to receive a second.

• Approved June 23, 2025 board agenda (6-1)
• Approved minutes from May 15, May 19, and May 27, 2025 meetings (7-0)
• Appointed Thomas Keeley as Treasurer and Zachary Quiett as Deputy Treasurer
• Approved renewal of Property and Casualty and Workers Compensation insurance with Liberty Insurance
• Approved safety consultant agreements with Tim Corbett and Mike Seger
• Approved renewal invoice with IXL for July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026
• Approved 2025-2026 breakfast and lunch prices for students and adults
• Approved contract with Smekens Education Solutions, Inc for professional development

Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a special meeting to approve the employment of Dr. Heather Short as Superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. The contract provides a $205,000 annual salary, $30,000 in retirement contributions, a leased vehicle, and additional benefits. The board also adopted the agenda, heard public comments, and set the next regular meeting for June 23, 2025.

• Approved Dr. Heather Short as superintendent with a three-year contract starting July 1, 2025
• Contract includes $205,000 annual salary plus $30,000 in 401(a)/403(b) contributions
• Superintendent to receive leased vehicle, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and expense reimbursement
• Board heard public comments on the superintendent contract prior to approval
• Next regular board meeting scheduled for June 23, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees met for a special session to appoint a new superintendent. The board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Heather Short for the role.

• Approved employment of Dr. Heather Short as Superintendent effective July 1, 2025 (7-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (7-0)

Regular Meeting at 6 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board will recognize staff of the year and hear a student ambassador report, then vote on a consent agenda that includes $22.97 million in bills, $97,624 in donations, disposal of obsolete Chromebooks, and awarding of food service bids for the 2025-26 school year.

• Approval of $22,967,177.26 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims
• Acceptance of donations totaling $97,624 to Mary Frank Elementary, Penn High School athletics and robotics, and Discovery Middle School
• Authorization to dispose of obsolete Chromebooks issued to the 2025 senior class
• Awarding of bids for groceries, fresh produce, fresh baked bread, commodity processed products, and milk/dairy products for the upcoming school year

The Board of School Trustees approved a resolution for Schmucker Middle School to apply for the Indiana Purple Star School designation. Members also adopted revised parent and student handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year and approved a series of consent agenda items including bids and contracts.

• Approved resolution for Schmucker Middle School to apply for Indiana Purple Star School Designation (6-0)
• Approved revised Parent/Student Handbooks for 2025-2026 (6-0)
• Approved May 19, 2025 bills (6-0)
• Approved awarding of bids for groceries, produce, bread, processed products, and dairy (6-0)
• Approved one-year cooperative agreement with Vogue Beauty College for vocational cosmetology (6-0)
• Approved 2026 Financial Planning Calendar (6-0)
• Approved supplemental athletic accident coverage insurance for 2025-2026 (6-0)
• Approved personnel report for May 19, 2025, including appointment of Zachary Quiett as CFO (6-0)

Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Board held a special meeting on May 15, 2025, to discuss and hear public comment on a proposed three-year superintendent contract starting July 1, 2025. The contract includes an annual salary of $205,000, a $30,000 annual retirement contribution, a leased vehicle, and other benefits. The board also adopted the agenda and adjourned the meeting.

• Public hearing on proposed new superintendent contract with $205,000 annual salary for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
• Contract includes $30,000 annual 401(a)/403(b) contribution, leased vehicle, insurance, and 25 vacation days
• Board adopted the special meeting agenda by unanimous vote
• Next regular meeting scheduled for May 19, 2025 at Discovery Middle School

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding a proposed contract for Dr. Heather Short. No public comments were made during the hearing. No vote was taken to approve the contract during this meeting.

• Adopted meeting agenda (7-0)
• Held public hearing for proposed superintendent contract ($205,000 annually)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The board approved a consent agenda including $15,657,373.80 in accounts payable, payroll, and insurance claims. Financial reports for February and March 2025 were also approved. The board heard a report from the education foundation on $59,999.96 in grants awarded to teachers and staff. An executive session was held prior to the meeting.

• Approval of $15,657,373.80 total bills and payroll
• Report on $59,999.96 in P-H-M Education Foundation grants for 2024-25
• Financial reports for periods ending February 28 and March 31, 2025 approved
• Executive session held at 5:30 p.m. prior to open meeting
• Recognition of Madison Elementary's 100th school year

The Board approved the addition of a self-funded Early Learning Academy preschool site at Northpoint Elementary for fall 2025. Additionally, the Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including financial reports, personnel changes, and various student trips.

• Approved adding Early Learning Academy preschool site to Northpoint Elementary
• Approved bills and financial reports for periods ending February 28 and March 31, 2025
• Approved 8th grade Washington D.C. trips for Discovery, Grissom, and Schmucker Middle Schools
• Approved 5th grade trips to Camp Eberhart (Walt Disney Elementary) and Camp Friedenswald (Meadow's Edge and Elm Road Elementary)
• Approved Penn DECA students' trip to Orlando, FL
• Approved contracts with People Driven Technology, PBIS Rewards, Crossing National, Inc., Edmentum, 3P Learning, AllOne, and KSS/Hillyard
• Approved application for an advance loan from the Common School Fund
• Approved April 21, 2025 personnel report including five retirements

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

At this regular meeting, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will consider a consent agenda that includes approving $38.2 million in accounts payable and payroll. The board will also receive a presentation on property tax legislative developments and recognize teachers who earned LETRS certification. Routine items include approving minutes, financial reports, donations, and authorizing bids for food service supplies.

• Approval of $38,221,711.38 in accounts payable, insurance, and payroll claims
• Property tax legislative update presentation by Director of Business Services Dr. Thomas Keeley
• Recognition of first cohort of teachers completing LETRS literacy certification
• Acceptance of $5,911 in donations: $411 to Discovery Middle School and $5,500 to Penn High School Robotics
• Authorization to advertise for bids for groceries, produce, bread, commodity products, and milk/dairy

The Board of School Trustees approved a comprehensive consent agenda including various service agreements, student trips, and equipment purchases. The board also accepted the personnel report for March 24, 2025, which included several staff retirements.

• Approved March 24, 2025 bills (6-0)
• Approved authorization to bid for groceries, produce, bread, and dairy (6-0)
• Approved consultant agreement with Curtis & Livers Consulting, LLC for 2025-2026 (6-0)
• Approved MOU with Indianapolis Colts, Inc for Girls' Flag Football (6-0)
• Approved purchase of replacement Chromebooks (6-0)
• Approved cloud-based solution for Skyward Student Management System (6-0)
• Approved personnel report for administrative, certified, and classified employees (6-0)
• Approved overnight trips for DECA and Speech and Debate teams (6-0)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees approved a consent agenda including $19,260,535.16 in bills and accepted several donations, notably $1,000,000 for the Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium. The board also received a presentation from Penn High School on first-semester achievements and spotlighted building trades and engineering programs. The meeting was held at Penn High School.

• $1,000,000 donation to PHM Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium accepted
• Bills and payroll totaling $19,260,535.16 approved
• Approval of 2025 Super Kids Summer Camps, Camp Invention, Theater Camp, and Learn to Swim schedules
• Donations of $5,000 and $1,000 to Discovery Middle School, $1,965 to Penn High School Speech & Debate, $300 to Schmucker Middle School Wrestling, $250 to Northpoint Elementary
• Spotlight on Schools presentation at Penn High School highlighting building trades and engineering students

The Board approved a slate of nine capital improvement projects, including vehicle replacements and facility renovations. Multiple summer camps and student overnight trips were approved via the consent agenda. The Board also approved the February 10, 2025, bills and financial reports.

• Approved nine capital improvement projects, including a safety SUV, two custodial vans, and real estate purchase at 55511 Bittersweet Rd. (6-1)
• Approved February 10, 2025, bills (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved financial reports ending December 31, 2024 (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 2025 summer camps for Super Kids, Robotics, Media, Band, Orchestra, Speech and Debate, Athletics, and Construction
• Approved overnight trips for PHS Orchestra and Choir to TN, Winter Guard to OH, and Robotics to Lafayette, Greenwood, and Houston
• Approved athletic facility use agreement with University of Notre Dame for 2025 commencement (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved renewal of agreement with Five Star for 2025 Summer School Program (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Personnel Report for February 10, 2025 (6-1)

Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The board elected officers for 2025 (President, Vice-President, Secretary) and administered oaths to newly elected and re-elected members Gary Fox, Katie Bell, and Ryan McCullough. It approved a consent agenda including $29,908,439.37 in bills and payroll, financial reports for November 2024, and a plan to distribute interest income to reserve funds (Rainy Day, Early Literacy, Operations) with an estimated annual amount of $2.5–3 million.

• Election of board officers for 2025 (President, Vice-President, Secretary)
• Oath of office for new and returning board members Gary Fox, Katie Bell, Ryan McCullough
• Approval of $29,908,439.37 in accounts payable, insurance, payroll, and insurance claims
• Approval of financial reports for the period ending November 30, 2024
• Placement of interest income: 10% Rainy Day Fund, 15% Early Literacy Fund, 75% Operations Fund (est. $2.5–$3M annually)

The Board of School Trustees elected its officers for 2025 and administered oaths of office to re-elected and newly elected members. The board also approved a series of consent agenda items including financial reports, clinical agreements, and student trips.

• Elected Chris Riley as President (6-1)
• Elected Ryan McCullough as Vice President (6-1)
• Elected Dana Sullivan as Secretary (6-1)
• Approved bills for January 13, 2025
• Approved financial reports ending November 30, 2024
• Approved clinical affiliation agreements with Indiana University and Beacon Health System
• Approved segment agreements with ChoiceLight
• Approved overnight trip requests for Model UN, Key Club, and Debate Team

Board of Finance Meeting - Immediately Follows the 1/13/2025 Regular Meeting

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board of Finance held its annual meeting, electing a president and secretary, and appointing Dr. Thomas Keeley and Mrs. Maureen Munger as investing officers. The board also reviewed the 2024 investment portfolio and fiscal indicators, and approved minutes from the previous year's meeting.

• Elected President and Secretary of the Board of Finance
• Appointed Dr. Thomas Keeley and Mrs. Maureen Munger as investing officers
• Reviewed 2024 investment portfolio and fiscal indicators report
• Approved minutes from January 8, 2024 Board of Finance meeting
• Adopted agenda for the January 13, 2025 meeting

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

• Elected Ryan McCullough as President of the Board of Finance (6-1)
• Elected Dana Sullivan 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 8, 2024 Board of Finance Meeting (7-0)