PHM appoints longtime teacher and administrator as new superintendent
SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Penn Harris Madison School District has officially employed its next superintendent!
Dr. Heather Short, who served as Assistant Superintendent for the last eight years, will succeed Dr. Jerry Thacker, who announced his retirement in March after serving the district for 19 years.
The decision was unanimous in Tuesday's special meeting of the PHM school board.
It's a new era of leadership for PHM, but in no way is Dr. Short a new face in the district. She's spent her entire career at PHM.
"I think the board understands and recognizes that I am fully committed to Penn Harris Madison," says PHM's new superintendent, Dr. Heather Short.
Her unwavering commitment to the school district all began with a passion for teaching and a temporary contract 31 years ago.
"My first year as a teacher, as an elementary teacher, my building principal came to me at that point and asked me if I considered administration, and I was like 'I just got my first classroom, no! I'm doing what I love,'" Dr. Short remembers.
Since that moment in the classroom, she's worked her way through the ranks serving as an Instructional Leader and High Ability Coordinator, Principal of Prairie Vista Elementary, Director of Professional Development, and her most recent role, Assistant Superintendent.
"I truly believe I have learned countless things, not only from Dr. Thacker but all of the teachers and administrators we have in our district," says Dr. Short.
She plans to carry on many of the same values that her predecessor Dr. Jerry Thacker instilled in the district and its staff in her tenure.
"He's very clear about the idea of excellence. That's not something I would ever change," Dr. Short shares.
The superintendent looks forward to working more closely with the school board and setting a tone of positive collaboration when they make important decisions for the district.
"I think each person brings a very unique perspective; everyone brings their own background," says Dr. Short. "I think It's important that everyone gets around the table and shares what they feel the true goal is."
She's already hitting the ground running when it comes to seeing where improvement within the district is needed and acting on it.
"Our state data is just starting to come back from ILEARN and IREAD, so the first thing we'll do is look to see areas where we're truly excelling and areas where we might need additional attention," explains Dr. Short.
She says that's the kind of leadership that students, parents, and educators can expect from her as superintendent.
"Continuous improvement is something I believe in, and that will be something that we continue to chase," Dr. Short says.
Between now and July 1st, when she officially assumes her position, she says she will be focusing on wrapping up the current school year with graduation and working with district principals to reflect on the year.