P-H-M Board Member Larry Beehler Receives Indiana Outstanding Board Service Award

A presentation slide with a photo of a man and text that reads "Quality Service Award" and "Larry Wohlwend, Madison SchoolThe Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) has named Larry Beehler, a member of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board of School Trustees, as the recipient of the 2026 Indiana Outstanding Board Service Award.

A longtime advocate for public education, Larry Beehler has dedicated 40 years of service to the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees, helping guide one of Indiana’s highest-performing school corporations through decades of growth, innovation, and student success. 

“Larry Beehler has set an extraordinary example of what it means to be a dedicated public servant. For 40 years, he has led with integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students,” said P-H-M School Board President Chris Riley who has served alongside Mr. Beehler for nearly 16 years. “His thoughtful approach to governance and his ability to keep student success at the center of every decision have helped shape the Board’s culture of collaboration and accountability. This statewide recognition is a fitting tribute to Larry’s remarkable legacy of leadership and service.”

During School Board Trustee Beehler’s tenure, including 22 years in board leadership positions, Mr. Beehler has championed the School Board’s governance model, strategic planning, and initiatives that have helped generations of students thrive.

The ISBA recognized Mr. Beehler at the annual ISBA/IAPSS Fall Conference held October 5th and 6th in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, Mr. Beehler was unable to attend this year’s conference.  Man standing at podium, speaking at event.

“What truly distinguishes Larry most is not simply the extraordinary length of service, but his integrity, humility, thoughtful judgment, and genuine care,” said fellow Penn-Harris-Madison School Board member Gary Fox accepting the award on Trustee Beehler’s behalf. 

Mr. Beehler has played a key role in shaping the district’s governance practices, helping develop Penn-Harris-Madison’s School Board compact based on the John Carver Board Governance Model. He has served on the Board’s negotiation team, the district’s Wellness Committee, and as the corporation’s representative on the local Redevelopment Commission. Mr. Beehler has also helped oversee major construction projects and capital improvements, while supporting innovative initiatives such as naming-rights partnerships that generate additional revenue for the district.

Student success is at the heart of his service. Mr. Beehler served on the Smaller Learning Communities Achievement Design Committee for Penn High School, which helped establish smaller learning communities and achievement academies at the high school. This approach has  personalized instruction and improved student outcomes. Over the years, Penn High School’s graduation rate has risen from 79 percent to 98 percent.

Two people posing for a photo.

“Generations of P-H-M students have benefited from Larry Beehler’s vision, dedication, and steadfast belief in the power of public education,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “Larry understands that academic excellence doesn’t happen by chance. It requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and a long-term commitment to providing students with exceptional educational opportunities. His 40 years of service have helped build the foundation for P-H-M’s continued success, and we are incredibly proud to see him receive this well-deserved statewide honor.”

Beyond policy and planning, School Board Member Beehler has maintained a personal connection to the schools he serves. Each year during the first week of school, he joins the Superintendent on building visits. He loves catching up with teachers and staff members and meeting new students. He especially enjoys visiting Madison Elementary School in Madison Township, of which he represents on the school board.

Trustee Beehler is a graduate and valedictorian of former Madison Township High School (the building now serves as P-H-M’s Madison Elementary School). He has remained deeply committed to the school community that helped shape his life, establishing the “Larry Beehler Scholarship” which is  awarded annually to a graduating senior who attended Madison Elementary School. For his decades of service and leadership, the P-H-M board room is being renamed the Larry and Judy Beehler School Board Room in his and his wife’s honor. In 2017, the ticket center at Penn High School’s football stadium was named after Larry Beehler. Both were done through the PHM Education Foundation naming rights campaign.

The Indiana Outstanding Board Service Award is conferred annually by the ISBA to one school board member out of the 1,686 school board members in Indiana. The award honors exceptional school board service, leadership, and dedication to public education and is chosen by fellow school board members.

“Larry Beehler exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated School Board member,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “Larry’s service stands as a remarkable example of the difference thoughtful, servant-minded leadership can make in a community.” 

In addition to the statewide award, the following school board members were recognized as Regional Outstanding Board Service Award winners for each of ISBA’s 10 geographical regions:

Region 1 – Andy Maletta, Portage Township Schools

Region 2 – Larry Beehler, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation

Region 3 – Valerie Armstrong, Dekalb County Central United School District

Region 4 – Bob Gerber, Tri-County School Corporation

Region 4 – Brad Swartzell, Pioneer Regional School Corporation

Region 5 – Katie Fague, Tipton Community School Corporation

Region 6 – John Adams, Delaware Community Schools

Region 7 – Jessica Elston, Plainfield Community School Corporation

Region 8 – Amy Norman, M.S.D. of Lawrence Township

Region 9 – David Waninger, North Spencer County School Corporation

Region 10 – Myra Powell, Borden-Henryville School Corporation

 

P-H-M in the State’s Top 5% with Spring 2026 ILEARN results

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation (P-H-M) proudly shares the outstanding performance of its students on the Spring 2026 ILEARN assessment, as released by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). P-H-M students outperformed the state average again by 21.5 percentage points in English Language Arts (ELA) and 18.2 points in Mathematics. This achievement places P-H-M in the top 5% of public school corporations passing both ELA and math across Indiana (click here to see the charts below of scores broken down by grade).

PHM Superintendent Dr. Heather Short sitting with an elementary female student coloring“These results reflect our teachers’ and students’ commitment to academic excellence. I am incredibly proud that our students outperformed the state across every grade and tested subject,” said P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “While the 2026 scores establish a new baseline, we are also seeing significant growth across P-H-M. That combination of high achievement and continued growth demonstrates how we are building on a culture of excellence.”

Performing at these high levels is a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence and the strategies that drive student success. Out of Indiana public schools that passed both ELA and Math, Northpoint and Prairie Vista Elementary Schools are in the Top 10; and Discovery Middle School is #2.

P-H-M students are consistently outperforming statewide peers across grade levels and subject areas. District Grade 8 ELA pass rate is 71% in 2026, while the state is 44%. That puts P-H-M 27 points above the state. Grade 8 math remains exceptionally strong as well: 58% passed versus 34% statewide, a 24-point advantage. 

P-H-M has double-digit advantages over the state across all tested subjects, ELA, Math and Science. In 2026, P-H-M’s variance over the state are the following:

  • +27 Grade 8 ELA
  • +24 Grade 8 math
  • +24 Biology
  • +23 Grade 5 ELA
  • +22 Grade 6 ELA 
  • +21 Grade 7 ELA
  • +20 Grade 6 Science 

The district’s Free and Reduced Lunch (F/R) student population, which now exceeds 34%, continues to demonstrate notable progress. Among Indiana’s largest public school districts testing over 5,000 students, P-H-M ranks #1 in the state for the percentage of F/R students passing both ELA and Math.

Asst. Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null with Mary Frank Elementary School female student on the first day of school“At P-H-M, we’re focused on quality instruction and quality learning,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null. “Our educators are engaging students in intentional learning every day. Teachers continually review student data to refine instruction, identify where additional support is needed and ensure students are appropriately challenged. The strong gains we’re seeing, particularly in middle school ELA and Math, reflect the impact of effective instruction and the collaboration of our teachers across grade levels.” 

Beginning in spring 2022, Indiana junior high school students are required to take the SAT for graduation. Among high schools testing over 500 students, Penn High School’s pass percentage ranks #8 in the state. For the first time since the IDOE began tracking SAT scores, Penn High School’s pass percentage was 20% above the state average.

Penn High School students discussing a class assignment

Penn High School SAT Performance

Beginning in spring 2022, Indiana junior high school students are required to take the SAT for graduation. Among high schools testing over 500 students, Penn High School’s pass percentage ranks #8 in the state. For the first time since the IDOE began tracking SAT scores, Penn High School’s pass percentage was 20% above the state average.

 

 

2026 ILEARN Math Scores

  Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PHM 68% 68% 63% 55% 54% 58%
State 52% 52% 42% 40% 36% 34%
Variance +16% +16% +21% +15% +18% +24%

 

2026 ILEARN ELA Scores

  Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PHM 57% 61% 65% 63% 63% 71%
State 41% 42% 42% 41% 42% 44%
Variance +16% +19% +23% +22% +21% +27%

 

2026 ILEARN Science Scores

  Grade 4 Grade 6
PHM 63% 61%
State 44% 41%
Variance +19% +20%

 

2026 ILEARN Social Studies Scores

  Grade 5
PHM 63%
State  47%
Variance +16%

 

2026 ILEARN High School Biology

PHM 71%
State 47%
Variance +24%

 

The 2026 ILEARN results represent the first year that all students in grades 3–8 participated in Indiana’s new through-year assessment model (ILEARN Checkpoints), which focuses on a streamlined set of prioritized standards. As a result, these scores establish a new baseline for Indiana and the IDOE is not comparing the results to previous years. 

P-H-M Students Learn, Reflect and Remember 25 Years After 9/11

Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, P-H-M students learned about the events of that day, honoring the lives lost and reflecting on the heroes who stepped forward to help.

Across the district, elementary, middle and high school teachers led age-appropriate lessons to help students understand the significance of 9/11 and why it remains important to remember.

At the elementary level, students are learning about September 11 through the stories of the heroes and helpers who emerged that day. One class used a student-friendly presentation to learn about the events before creating books highlighting several of the heroes of 9/11. Students discussed the people they helped and connected those stories to the heroes and helpers in their own lives.

P-H-M middle school students learned not only what happened on September 11, but also how the events continue to have an impact on our country and world 25 years later.

At Penn High School, students in an AP English and U.S. History Seminar course took a deeper look at the historical significance of the attacks. Lessons included watching historical video footage, hearing eye witness and first responders first hand accounts of that tragic day. Teachers shared their own memories of that day. Students had the opportunity to reflect and share their thoughts with the class. 

Penn students also had a role in helping our community commemorate the anniversary. Penn High School’s student media program, Penn News Network (PNN), produced a special livestream of St. Joseph County Police Department’s annual 9/11 Stair Climb at Everwise Freed Field to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. 

Watch an archived video of the PNN livestream:
https://youtube.com/live/ek83TMa3ndA?feature=share

Through classroom lessons, conversations, reflection and remembrance, P-H-M educators and students helped ensure that the lessons and stories of September 11 are never forgotten.

P-H-M and Penn High School in the National Spotlight

Our first Kindergarten Kickoff, held on Friday, August 21, 2026, had a terrific turnout and tremendous community response.

The event was so touching it even garnered the attention of national network news!

A brief feature about our inaugural event was featured on NBC Nightly News on Saturday, September 5 at the end of the newscast as part of “There’s Good News Tonight” segment. Our portion was one of three stories highlighted as good news from across the country.

Click the link below watch our story …

 

P-H-M Students Continue Strong Literacy Performance with 94.7% IREAD-3 Pass Rate

MISHAWAKA, IN —With the Indiana Department of Education’s release Tuesday, August 11 of 2026 IREAD-3 results, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Heather Short is proud to share that 94.7% of P-H-M students passed IREAD.

P-H-M’s corporation-wide pass rate increased over last school year (2025-2026) and is 6 percentage points higher than this year’s statewide overall passing rate of 88.7%.

Five P-H-M elementary schools achieved an outstanding 95% or higher passing rate, including one Title I school.

  • Prairie Vista Elementary: 98.8% pass rate
  • Horizon Elementary: 97.7% pass rate
  • Northpoint Elementary: 96.9% pass rate
  • Elsie Rogers Elementary: 96.4% pass rate (Title I school)
  • Bittersweet Elementary: 95.9% pass rate

Statewide, results show that 88.7% of Indiana’s third grade students demonstrated proficient reading skills on the IREAD assessment. This is an improvement of nearly 1.5 percentage points over results for the 2024-2025 school year, the second-largest single-year increase since the assessment began (click here for more information on state results in today’s IDOE news release).

Five other P-H-M elementary schools had pass rates above the State average, with four of those scoring 90% or higher, including three of P-H-M’s Title I schools: 

  • Moran Elementary: 94.8% pass rate (Title I school)
  • Walt Disney: 94.4% pass rate (Title I school)
  • Elm Road Elementary: 93.1% pass rate (Title I school)
  • Madison Elementary: 90.5% pass rate
  • Mary Frank: 88.9% pass rate

“These results are a reflection of the incredible dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the partnership of our families,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “I am especially proud of the growth we are seeing across our schools, including our Title I schools that have achieved a 90% or higher passing rate. These accomplishments demonstrate what is possible when we maintain high expectations and provide students with the support they need.”

P-H-M continues to prioritize research-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, providing educators with professional learning, instructional resources, and opportunities to collaborate around student data and effective instructional practices.

The 2026 IREAD-3 results reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to building on a culture of academic excellence and ensuring every student develops the foundational literacy skills necessary for continued academic growth.

“We are proud of these results, but our work does not stop here,” Dr. Short added. “We will continue to use student data to identify opportunities for growth, strengthen instruction, and make sure every child has the opportunity to become a confident and capable reader.”

By the Numbers

  • 94.7% — P-H-M corporation-wide IREAD-3 passing rate
  • 6 percentage points — P-H-M performance above the state passing rate
  • 5 schools — Achieved a 95% or higher passing rate
  • 1 Title I school — Achieved a 95% or higher passing rate
  • 3 schools — Increased their passing rates by 6–8 percentage points compared to 2025
  • Year-over-year growth — P-H-M’s overall passing percentage has continued to increase since 2024
Name of Elementary School 2025 IREAD Pass Rate 2026 IREAD Pass Rate
Bittersweet 95.9% 95.9%

Elm Road

(Title I school)

 84.4% 93.1%

Elsie Rogers

(Title I school)

 94.6% 96.4% 
Horizon 100% 97.7%
Madison 84.2% 90.5%
Mary Frank 98.2% 88.9%

Meadow’s Edge

(Title I school)

 89.0%  86.0%

Moran

(Title I school)

 93.9% 94.8%
Northpoint 97.1% 96.9%
Prairie Vista 98.9% 98.8%

Walt Disney

(Title I school)

 86.2% 94.4%


All second grade students participate in the IREAD assessment – a tactic that has already proven successful at providing educators and families an early indicator of whether a student is on-track to read by the end of third grade. 

P-H-M’s second grade results were an impressive 72.1% of students passing in 2026.

Community Tailgate, Friday August 21, 2026

P-H-M’s Annual Community Tailgate is a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, staff, and community members together to show their Penn pride. The event is held before the Penn Football home opener and is a chance for everyone across the district to connect, celebrate, and support the Kingsmen.

This year’s home opener will be against Valparaiso. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. Once inside the stadium head down to the white tents in the south end zone at the Yeoman Family Plaza to buy your $6.00 Meal Ticket.

An advertisement for a tailgate event at a high school football game on Friday, August 21st from 6:00 to 9:30pm

Do you have an incoming kindergartner or a Penn senior? 

P-H-M Education Foundation is hosting a special “Kindergarten Kickoff” before this year’s football game!

The Class of 2027 will welcome the future Class of 2039 into the P-H-M family by meeting kindergartners on the 50-yard line of the Kingsmen football field and presenting them with black and gold pom-poms.

Click here for more details and to sign your student up to participate.

Kicking off the Inaugural “Kindergarten Kickoff”

This school year Penn High School will launch a new tradition celebrating the connection between Penn’s incoming Senior Class of 2027 and the Kindergarten Class of 2039.

At Penn’s first home football game on Friday, August 21 after the Community Tailgate (click here for more details on this event) and before the Penn-Valpo game, incoming kindergartners will be welcomed to the P-H-M family during our inaugural Kindergarten Kickoff celebration.

As part of this special event, Penn seniors will meet the kindergartners at the 50-yard line and pass them black and gold pom-poms, symbolizing the beginning of their journey as future Kingsmen and Lady Kingsmen.

This simple but meaningful moment represents the tradition, pride, and community that make Penn High School and P-H-M special. 

Info for Kindergarten Families

Click here to register your kindergartner to participate.

 

Show your Penn Pride by ordering your student an official Future Kingsmen t-shirt by clicking this link.

 

Three young girls holding pom poms, standing on a street next to a car and a truck.Event Details:

  • Gates open at 5:30 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. 
  • Kindergarten and younger siblings are FREE and do NOT need a ticket!
    Purchase older student and adult tickets online for $7.00 ($8.00 at the gate) by clicking here.
  • Community Tailgate is 5:30-7:00 p.m. You can feed each member of your family for just $6.00! 
  • Check in for Kindergarten Kickoff at the PHM Education Foundation Table by 6:00 p.m.
  • Pick up your child’s t-shirt (if purchased)
  • Enjoy the festivities and connect with other P-H-M families
  • One adult should stay with their child until they walk onto the field and will remain in the end zone to meet them afterwards
  • Get your cell phones ready to take pictures of your student participating in the Kindergarten Kickoff!

Stay for the game:

After the Community Tailgate and the Kindergarten Kickoff event, families are encouraged to stay and cheer on the Kingsmen as they take on Valparaiso in their home opener.

Info for Penn Seniors Class of 2027

High school students in cap and gown walking near and waving to younger students

Seniors, click here to sign up.

Space may be limited, so we encourage you to register early.

2026 Running is Elementary Video & Photo Gallery

Race day for the annual Running is Elementary, sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation, was a little windy, but gorgeous: just enough sunshine, just enough warmth, and the raindrops held off until all the races were over.

This year was one of the biggest yet with 700+ students from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools.

The one mile run is held at Penn’s Cross-country course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. 

Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school then train with the runners for the 6-week club culminating in the one mile race. More than 700 students participated this year!

Two 4th grade boys boys pose for pictures after their race

This picture of two 4th grade runners exemplifies what RIE is all about. 

These two boys were running neck and neck all the way to the finish line vying for first place.

After the race, the Disney boy (dark navy t-shirt) went out of his way to find the Moran runner (pink shirt) so they could take a picture together.

The students being from two different schools had never met before, but in that moment, it didn’t matter.

Running is Elementary not only teaches students about fitness and wellness, it also teaches them sportsmanship, connection and the importance of supporting and celebrating each other!

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated! Click to see the list below of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners only for the four races. The list shows finish times listed by bib number and school. Parents should contact their school coach for their child’s specific time.

What makes this event so special is that students are cheered on by their fellow students, families, teachers, running coaches, principals, PHM School Board members and administrators, principals, and other PHM staff members. A photo gallery sample is below, but click here to visit the full photo gallery in the Education Foundation’s Canto photo portal.

Below are the times for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners:

Race Results:

5th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 06:49.07, Bib # 244, Northpoint
  2. 06:50.53, Bib # 235, Northpoint
  3. 07:05.08, Bib # 187, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Horizon
  2. Mary Frank
  3. Northpoint

5th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 06:14.75, Bib # 597, Northpoint
  2. 06:16.06, Bib # 650, Madison
  3. 06:29.29, Bib # 590, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Horizon
  3. Elm Road

4th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 07:06.27, Bib # 62, Horizon
  2. 07:30.09, Bib # 31, Elm Road
  3. 07:31.47, Bib # 75, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Prairie Vista
  2. Northpoint
  3. Bittersweet

4th Grade Boys Winners:

  1. 06:34.34, Bib # 438, Walt Disney
  2. 06:34.73, Bib # 392, Moran
  3. 06:48.85, Bib # 402, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Bittersweet
  3. Elm Road

Here’s a breakdown of the shirt colors:

Bittersweet Yellow
Elm Road  Kelly Green
Elsie Rogers Teal
Horizon Orange
Madison Purple
Mary Frank Lime Green
Meadow’s Edge Turquoise
Moran Hot Pink
Northpoint Royal Blue
Prairie Vista Red
Walt Disney Navy Blue

Thank you to Cindy Batalis (physical education teacher at Mary Frank Elementary School) whose own love for running and her desire to pass that love on is the passion and brain child behind Running is Elementary. Thank you to all the PHM teachers, running coaches, school staff, and Penn Cross Country student-athletes who help out every year, along with P-H-M Education Foudation Board members and volunteers.

Thank you PHMEF and all their amazing sponsors that make this event possible for our students:

  • Martin’s donated the post race snacks
  • Royal Excursion donated transportation to auxiliary parking lots
  • Benchmark Family Services helped PHMEF offset costs
  • Culver’s provided gift baskets for a prize drawing
  • Kona Ice and Tom’s Coffee did givebacks 
  • Attorney Katy Wrona was also a sponsor
Post race snack table

Running is Elementary: Tom's Coffee truck Running is Elementary: Kona Ice truck

 

Running is Elementary Parent Information

2026 Running is Elementary will be held Monday, May 4 (Rain Date Wednesday, May 6) at Elm Road Elementary School, 59400 Elm Rd, Mishawaka.

Timeline of Events:

  • 2:50 p.m. – Introductions
  • 3:00 p.m. – 5th gr. Girls Race
  • 3:20 p.m. – 5th gr. Boys Race
  • 3:40 p.m. – 4th gr. Girls Race
  • 4:00 p.m. – 4th gr. Boys Race

Parking Information:

  • Elm Road will be filled first before using Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Rd., Mishawaka
  • Family/Spectator parking at the bottom of Elm Road School as space allows. This area will be primarily be for principals, coaches, and volunteers

ALL Runners need to be picked up no later than 4:30 at Elm Road. Runners may leave following completion of their grade’s run by checking out with the coach. 

RAIN DATE: Principals will be notified by Noon on Monday and information will be posted on elementary schools’ website along with P-H-M & Education Foundation website PHMEF.org 

Teacher Job Fair on March 26

We’re Accepting Applications for the
2026-27 School Year

Teacher Job Fair

Thursday, March 26, 2026

2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Penn High School Fieldhouse
12641 McKinley Highway, Mishawaka

Teachers Click Here

Click to learn more about P-H-M and why you should join our family.