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In March, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Dr. Jerry Thacker announced his retirement after 19 years. 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 ...

This message below was shared with Walt Disney families via ParentSquare the afternoon of May 29, 2025. Dear Walt Disney Families, I am writing to let you know about an opportunity that has recently presented itself within Penn-Harris-Madison. I have been honored to have been offered and have accepted the position of Director of Professional Development and Student Learning. In this new role, I will ...

This morning, Dr. Jerry Thacker visited Walt Disney Elementary to help present the inaugural Dr. Jerry Thacker Achievement Award. The award, named in honor of Dr. Thacker’s retirement after 19 years of service as Penn-Harris-Madison’s superintendent, recognizes students who exemplify persistence, good citizenship, and positive competitiveness—qualities that Dr. Thacker has demonstrated throughout his tenure. In its first year, the award was given to four students ...

In a special meeting held Tuesday, May 27, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees unanimously (7-0) approved the appointment of Dr. Heather Short as the district’s next superintendent effective July 1, 2025. Nearly 50 P-H-M teachers, administrators, staff, family and friends showed up to express their overwhelming support of Dr. Short's appointment. Dr. Short, a lifelong educator who has dedicated her entire 31-year career to ...

Click Here for FULL Photo Gallery _ Walt Disney Elementary School recently welcomed families and community members for its annual Culture Night, a celebration of the many backgrounds and traditions represented throughout the school. Families hosted tables showcasing food, clothing, and traditions from their home countries. Attendees had the opportunity to sample traditional dishes, explore cultural displays, and learn more about the customs and stories ...