After nearly two decades leading the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker has announced his retirement, effective in July 2025. In a heartfelt letter sent this morning to P-H-M teachers, staff, students, and families  Dr. Thacker shared his decision to step down after a remarkable 53-year career in education (click here to read the letter).

“Dr. Thacker’s vision of excellence helped shape P-H-M into one of the top-performing school districts in Indiana,” commented Chris Riley, President of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees. “We are grateful not only for his years of leadership, but for his tireless commitment and dedication to our entire community. There is no greater supporter of Penn-Harris-Madison than Dr. Jerry Thacker!”

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 the nation for school safety initiatives.

In concert with the Board of School Trustees, P-H-M has a stellar record of financial stewardship. P-H-M overcame a $3 million deficit, built a strong and sustainable financial model, and maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the region—all while ensuring our students and staff had the resources they needed to thrive.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Thacker shared “As superintendent, one of the greatest joys of my career has been attending school events and witnessing our students shine—whether excelling in academics, performing in fine arts, or competing in athletics. Our students’ talent and dedication are extraordinary.”

Dr. Thacker’s educational career began in the classroom as a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, where he taught for five-and-a-half years, before moving to Mary Frank Elementary to teach 5th and 6th grades for eight years, where he also became a Team Leader. He even did his student teaching at P-H-M, at Moran Elementary. His passion for learning and leadership soon led him to administrative roles across Indiana and beyond.

Dr. Thacker’s extensive career in educational leadership includes:

• Eastlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
  • Principal (1985-1987)
• Woodlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
  • Principal and Director of Curriculum (1987-1989)
• Saginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw, Michigan) 
  • Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and School Improvement (1989-1990)
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Director of Elementary Education (1990-1996) – Led significant academic improvements, increasing the district’s 4-Star Schools from one to eight within five years
  • Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (1996-1998)
• Logansport Community School Corporation (Logansport, IN) 
  • Superintendent (1998-2006)
• Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation 
  • Superintendent (2006-2025)

He earned his Elementary Education degree from Bethel College, his Master’s from Indiana University South Bend, and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan).

Dr. Thacker’s commitment to education has been driven by a lifelong dedication to student success. The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) named him Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2013 and again in 2017. He was also named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2014—Indiana’s highest award—from then Governor Mike Pence. He has also been recognized as Alumnus of the Year from both IUSB and Bethel College.

Donna and Jerry Thacker will spend the winter months in Florida. Dr. Thacker plans on remaining active in the field of education working as a consultant. He and Mrs. Thacker have been longtime contributors to and supporters of the P-H-M Education Foundation.  During his tenure, the Thackers have donated $232,500, including contributions to PHMEF’s Naming Rights Campaign:

• Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000 
• Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023 
• Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the  P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
• Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024 
• Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024 

It was announced in January that Penn High School’s new fieldhouse will be named the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse. Click here for more information.

Reflecting on his time at P-H-M, Dr. Thacker expressed deep gratitude for the support of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the broader P-H-M community. His leadership has left an enduring impact on the district, and his legacy will continue through the students, educators, and families he has influenced.

“I will carry with me the countless memories of our shared successes and the friendships that have made this journey so meaningful,” Dr. Thacker said. “The future of P-H-M is bright because of each of you, and I have no doubt that our teachers, staff, and administrators will continue to inspire, empower, and lead with excellence. Our families will continue to raise amazing children. And our students are aptly prepared to make a difference in this world at every level.”

Details about P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees’ search for the district’s next superintendent will be announced in the coming weeks.

The SpongeBob Musical is a vibrant and imaginative stage adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. With a book by Kyle Jarrow and an eclectic score featuring original songs by artists like David Bowie, Panic! at the Disco, and Cyndi Lauper, the musical brings Bikini Bottom to life in a fresh, theatrical way. The story follows SpongeBob and friends as they face the impending eruption of Mount Humongous, which threatens to destroy their underwater home. Through courage, teamwork, and optimism, SpongeBob proves that even the smallest sponge can make a big difference. Filled with humor, heart, and creative staging, The SpongeBob Musical is an energetic celebration of friendship, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►

Today, Penn High School hosted its annual Job Fair, providing students with a valuable opportunity to explore career pathways, internships, and employment prospects.

Sponsored by the P-H-M Education Foundation, the event connected juniors and seniors with representatives from businesses, organizations, and colleges across the area.

This event is just one of the many ways Penn High School and the P-H-M Education Foundation work to provide students with real-world learning experiences that set them up for success.

Personal Finance Session by 1st Source Bank

In addition to job opportunities, students also benefited from a Personal Finance information session provided by 1st Source Bank. This session provided an overview of financial literacy skills, helping them understand the importance of budgeting, saving, and managing money responsibly as they prepare for their future careers.

A special thank you to all of the local businesses, organizations, and colleges who participated and took the time to support our students. Your presence and guidance play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce and helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►

Penn High School hosts an Indiana FIRST Robotics Competition on Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2, 2025.

A Photo Gallery is posted below.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►

Penn High School students Jagmit Singh and Dhruvi Patel had an incredible showing at the Northern Indiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair (NIRSEF), earning 1st place for their innovative research projects and securing their spots at the Indiana State Science Fair!

The competition, hosted by Notre Dame, took place virtually on Saturday, February 22, with students presenting their research and answering questions from judges. Prior to the virtual event, Singh and Patel showcased their projects in person at Penn High School, giving a glimpse into their impressive scientific work.

Award-Winning Research:

Dhruvi Patel – “Will Mutant Macrophages Eat More Cancer?”

In addition to winning 1st place, Patel also received the Harper Cancer Institute Award for her research.

Jagmit Singh – “APC Loss Impacts DNA Damage on Triple Negative Breast Cancer with a Resistance to Doxorubicin”

What’s Next?

With their success at regionals, Singh and Patel will now compete at the Indiana State Science Fair, representing Penn on a bigger stage.

Congratulations to Jagmit and Dhruvi for their incredible achievements!

[Show slideshow]

Before the start of the Penn vs. Mishawaka Boys Basketball game on Tuesday, February 25, Mr. Curt Rallo was recognized for his upcoming honor of being named to the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame. See the full photo gallery below.

Mr. Rallo is a Penn High School Journalism teacher, Penn Sports Information Director, and member of the P-H-M District Communications Team. He’s worked at Penn for 24 years and has a total of 38 years as a working sports journalist with the South Bend Tribune, covering local high school sports, Big Ten Men’s Basketball and Football, the University of Notre Dame, as well as spot coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Click here for more background on all the amazing work Mr. Rallo does with Penn students.

P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, Penn Principal Dr. Sean Galiher, Penn Athletic Director Jeff Hart, and P-H-M Communications Director Lucha Ramey honored Mr. Rallo at half-court with a commemorative G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) award. He received a rousing round of applause and shout outs from the student body, student-athletes, parents and Kingsmen fans.

Along with this celebration of one of the Kingsmen’s biggest supporters, it was senior night. Penn defeated Mishawaka 72-42. Click here to visit Pennant’s Facebook page for game footage and stats.

Mr. Rallo will be inducted at the annual awards banquet to be held in early April in Greenwood. Click for more details on the other inductees on the Stateline Sports Network website.

[Show slideshow]