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Recommendations for Asst. Superintendent and Dir. of Professional Development

Dr. Jerry Thacker is proud and delighted that the Board of School Trustees appointed Dr. Heather Short this week to succeed him as superintendent upon his retirement.

From Dr. Heather Short:

As the incoming Superintendent, I am thrilled to recommend Dr. Lavon Dean-Null to succeed me as the next Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.

In addition, I am also recommending Dr. Mindy Higginson as the next Director of Professional Development and Student Learning.

Dr. Thacker will present these recommendations to the School Board for approval at the June 23rd Meeting.

Dr. Dean-Null began her educational career as a teacher at Discovery after graduating from Bethel University. Dr. Dean-Null taught at Discovery for 10 years. During that time she took a sabbatical and taught in Ansan, South Korea for a year. While at Discovery, Dr. Dean-Null became a top finalist for the Indiana Teacher of the Year award. With a master’s degree in educational leadership from Indiana University and a Ph.D. from Purdue University, she served as assistant principal of Grissom, principal of Walt Disney, followed by principal of Schmucker before becoming Director of Professional Development and Student Learning. Dr. Dean-Null has a passion for leadership development and has coordinated educational programs abroad for over a decade and presented at educational forums worldwide. She is currently enrolled in Learning Forward’s national Academy and will graduate in June of 2026. Lavon’s commitment to education extends beyond her district role; she shares her expertise at state and national conferences. She is always striving to foster communities of high-achieving learners through continuous growth initiatives, and will be the perfect fit for the next Assistant Superintendent of P-H-M.

Dr. Higginson has spent the last two years as principal of Walt Disney Elementary School and has strengthened student and staff learning through multiple avenues, including being selected to participate in the Indiana Department of Education’s noteworthy “Get Your Teach On” program. She was most recently honored as Indiana’s District II Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals and holds her Ph.D. from Purdue University in educational leadership. Before coming to Penn-Harris-Madison, she served as the District Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction and as an elementary principal at Elkhart Community Schools. She also served at both the elementary and middle school levels in the South Bend Community School Corporation. She will bring a wealth of assets to her new role at Central Office.

Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent

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. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent

Dr. Heather Short & Dr. Katie Jenner — *Dr. Short with IDOE Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner*

Dr. Short, a lifelong educator who has dedicated her entire 31-year career to P-H-M, will succeed Dr. Jerry Thacker, who is retiring after 19 years of transformative leadership. Dr. Short has served as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction since 2017. During her tenure, P-H-M students have experienced consistent academic growth and achievement.

“I am deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful to Dr. Thacker for his mentorship throughout my career,” said Dr. Short. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to grow as a leader within this incredible district. I’m excited to continue working alongside our talented staff, dedicated families, and exceptional students to expand opportunities and ensure every child thrives.”

Under Dr. Short’s leadership, P-H-M ranks in the top 4% of Indiana districts based on ILEARN scores. The district also outpaces the state average by 20 percentage points in overall percent passing rates.

“There is no one better—or more qualified—to lead P-H-M’s continued path of academic excellence than Dr. Short,” said Chris Riley, President of the Board of School Trustees. “Her academic expertise and visionary leadership in developing rigorous, relevant curriculum have been key to our students’ success. Dr. Short was the Board’s clear and unanimous choice for superintendent.”

*Dr. Heather Short with students (2016)*

P-H-M is home to some of Indiana’s highest-performing public schools in both English/Language Arts and Math. Prairie Vista Elementary ranks #3 in the state, while Discovery Middle School ranks #2. In Spring 2024, P-H-M’s IREAD pass rate was 86.8%, surpassing the state average of 82.5%. Three P-H-M elementary schools—Prairie Vista (97.7%), Northpoint (95%), and Horizon (95.3%)—achieved pass rates above 90%.

Included in her district-wide academic strategy was a robust Response to Intervention (RtI) program and expanded summer offerings that support both enrichment and remediation.

Dr. Short’s leadership journey reflects deep roots and unwavering commitment to P-H-M. She began her career as a classroom teacher before serving as an Instructional Leader and High Ability Coordinator. Click here to learn how Dr. Short and Board Trustee Katie Bell’s paths crossed when Dr. Short was a 3rd grade teacher at Northpoint. In 2004, she became principal of Prairie Vista Elementary. Recognizing her talent for professional growth and instructional excellence, Dr. Thacker appointed her in 2007 as P-H-M’s first Director of Professional Development—a role she held for a decade before being named Assistant Superintendent.

Throughout her career, Dr. Short has been deeply committed to developing others. She co-created a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to build internal capacity among P-H-M educators and administrators. Her strategic focus on professional development has empowered teachers at every level—from new educators to veteran principals—through initiatives like the annual Literacy Summit and the New Teacher Series.

Dr. Heather Short Approved Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent

As Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Short has combined her instructional leadership with strong fiscal stewardship. She has overseen the management of multimillion-dollar budgets and successfully secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants—investments that have directly enhanced classroom instruction, expanded student programs, and strengthened districtwide operations.

“Dr. Short possesses one of the most valuable qualities a leader can have: the ability to build genuine relationships,” said Dr. Thacker. “She makes personal connections with teachers, principals, staff, families—and most importantly, students. She understands the P-H-M culture because she helped build it. There is no one more fitting to serve as the next superintendent.”

After the Board approved Dr. Short as the district’s new leader, Board members shared well wishes and comments. Trustee Katie Bell (elected in November 2024) talked about how things have come full circle for her as a former student of Dr. Short’s when she taught 3rd grade gifted and talented students at Northpoint. The two were actually featured in an article that ran in the South Bend Tribune in March 2003. The article featured Dr. Short teaching her students how to use PowerPoint for their Geography reports on Asia. Click here to read the original story.

Heather Short 2003 SB Tribune news article picture

Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent — *Katie Bell as kindergarten teacher at Prairie Vista (2016)*

Fast forward to 2013 to when Dr. Short was P-H-M’s Director of Professional Development, she interviewed Bell for a teaching position. Bell was hired as a kindergarten teacher in 2016 at Prairie Vista Elementary School and Dr. Short led the professional development for all new teachers.

“Dr. Short and I are a testament that it’s never goodbye, it’s always see you later,” Bell said. “And I think that shows the true impact of a teacher, that they are in your lives forever, and that you will always remember them.”

Media Coverage

Project Lead the Way Distinguished Status

Penn has been recognized once again as Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School. This is the 4th year in a row we have received the award, and 5th time overall!

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs, which includes Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Robotics, and Engineering courses. To be eligible for the 2024-25 designation, Penn had to meet multiple criteria in the 2023-24 school year such as number of PLTW courses available to students, percent of students enrolled in PLTW, and percent of students taking more than one PLTW course. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, click here.

Congratulations to Penn’s PLTW faculty members who work diligently to develop creative and stimulating lessons for students.

Dan Vogelgesang
Les Crooks
Tara Pieters
Evan White
Kyle Marsh
Scott Shelhart
Izzy Fielding
Lindsay Tippett
Steve Sinish
Kelsey Weaver
Amy TIebout
Eric Shipp

Penn is among a select group of high schools across the U.S. to be recognized for their commitment to inspiring and engaging their students to unlock their potential through their PLTW program. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future STEM careers.

Penn-Harris-Madison middle and elementary schools also offers Project Lead the Way classes and experiences. PLTW is a network of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities.

Penn High School Hosts Annual Job Fair

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.

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Courses and Services

Students who elect to take Applied courses are served by an exceptional education teacher in a general education setting. These courses contain a modified curriculum. These courses on their own do not meet the state proficiency requirements for a general education diploma. These students are working on vocational goals toward earning an Alternate Diploma. Student schedules and course enrollment are based on a Case Conference decision. If you would like more information for each course, please refer to the Penn Program of Studies.

Indiana Alternate Diploma Requirements

Indiana 2024 Content Connectors

Applied English 9
Applied English 10
Applied English 11
Applied English 12
Applied Algebra Lab
Applied Personal Finance
Applied Geography
Applied History
Applied Civics
Applied Health
Applied PE
Applied Biology
Applied Environmental Science
Learning Strategies
Life Skills
Employability Skills
Careers
Community Living

Dress Code

Penn Students Recognized at Elkhart Area Career Center Recognition Night

Before Penn’s Commencement on June 3, 13 seniors were recognized as a part of Elkhart Area Career Center’s Student Recognition Night, held May 14.

These are the awards and scholarships the students won:

Grayce Spadafore: Teachers Choice Award – Cosmetology
Madison Trosper: Teachers Choice Award – Culinary Arts, Culinary/Baking Scholarship
Emma Heintzelman: Teachers Choice Award – Exercise Science
Arianna Holiday – Turner Scholarship Winner – Criminal Justice

	Dylan Brown: Teachers Choice Award – Automotive Service Technology
	Christian Nelson: Teachers Choice Award – CNC Machining
	Joshua Morrow: Teachers Choice Award – Diesel Services Technology
	*Joshua Morrow (2nd from right): Gateway Mile Autofest Toolbox and Tool Scholarship Award – Diesel Service Technology* *Alex Valentiny (far right): Gateway Mile Autofest Toolbox and Tool Scholarship Award – Motorsports*
	*Gracie Goss (far right): SillsUSA State Gold Winner – Commercial Photography*
	*Reid Ohlson (far right): Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Finalist – Small Engines*
	*Isabel Botham (far right):* Turner Scholarship Winner – Computer Networking**

Night School Class of 2024 Commencement & Photo Gallery

Congratulations to the Night School Class of 2024!

Graduates had the opportunity to cross the stage during commencement exercises in front of their family and friends on Thursday, June 6th, 2024.

The Night School program provides coursework for adults toward completion of a high school diploma, not a GED, regardless of residency.

Please view the full photo gallery below!

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Penn Science Students Get “Schoolship” Experience

After months of planning, on Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20, Penn High School teachers Mr. Steven Sanders (Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science) and Mrs. Amy Tiebout (Project Lead the Way Biomed and AP Biology) drove 27 students to Suttons Bay, Michigan for a once in a lifetime science experience. Click to see the photo gallery below.

Through partnership with the Inland Seas Education Association, students were able to participate in a four-hour long science sailboat voyage on Suttons Bay using professional limnology equipment along with analyzing data previously collected. While on the sailboat, groups of students worked with professionals to focus on specific research topics while gaining skills in science sampling procedures. After all of the sampling and data collection, students shared their newly acquired knowledge with other groups to help reinforce their new knowledge to make this a very educational experience.

In addition to the “Schoolship” experience, students were able to visit Harbor Bay Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Sunday evening to enjoy sunset in nature and explore the town of Suttons Bay on Monday morning. The work of Mr. Sanders and Mrs.Tiebout made this trip much more accessible and affordable for students and their families. Mr. Sanders spent a week of his summer during 2023 getting professional development from Inland Seas that reduced the cost to families of the program by $825 and the cost of accommodations by $840. He also wrote a PTO grant to help cover miscellaneous expenses on the trip by $500. Therefore, families were only responsible for $10 of this trip because of all Mr. Sanders did in preparation.

Students left this experience with a greater appreciation for science as a force for good in the world by directly connecting the science concepts from the classroom and research on the boat with the importance of stewardship for our shared environmental resources. All of this helps students better understand what it means to “Take Care of this Place.”

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Class of 2024 Senior Parades

Every year before Commencement our graduating seniors get to take a trip down memory by returning to their P-H-M elementary schools. It’s a special day for our students because they’re cheered on by younger students, they get to reconnect with their former elementary principals and elementary teachers, and maybe see younger siblings, neighbors, or family friends. They may even get to play some of their favorite old recess games!

Here’s a short recap video pf the excitement!