Penn-Harris-Madison Board Meeting 9-14-2026

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board of Trustees held a meeting on September 14, 2026, where key procurement and budgetary matters were discussed. The board approved the 2027 budget for education operations and debt service funds, including resolutions related to capital projects, bus replacement plans, and fund transfers. The budget discussion highlighted challenges due to legislative changes and enrollment trends, with a projected deficit to be covered by reserves. The board emphasized the need for fiscal stability and long-term financial health while maintaining educational excellence. Additionally, the board authorized planning for a middle school student trip to Japan in 2028, with a total cost of $5,599 per student, partnering with EF Educational Tours. The meeting also included approval of revised policies related to employment, extracurricular activities, student fees, and new policies addressing AI use in schools, scheduled for final adoption in October. The Education Foundation reported a 33% increase in grant funding to $100,000 for the year, including new classroom kickstart grants for new teachers and signature grants up to $20,000 for impactful projects. No contract awards or vendor selections were explicitly detailed beyond the EF Educational Tours partnership for the Japan trip.