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PHM board authorizes publication of 2027 budget notice, approves safety radios and soccer-field lighting
Summary
The Penn-Harris-Madison Board authorized publication of statutorily required Form 3 for the proposed 2027 budget and approved two capital projects — public-safety radios and LED lighting for the Penn High School soccer field — during its regular meeting; all actions passed by voice votes reported 6-0.
The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Board of School Trustees on Monday authorized publication of Form 3, the statutorily required notice that begins the 2027 budget process, and approved two capital projects to upgrade safety communications and replace field lighting.
Chief Financial Officer Zach Wyatt asked the board to authorize publishing the Form 3 on Gateway, noting the platform now satisfies the prior newspaper-publication requirement and outlining a budget workshop Aug. 3, a public hearing the following week, and final adoption at the September board meeting. The board approved the request by voice vote, with the president stating the motion carried 6 to 0.
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sean Gallagher asked the board to award two capital projects: an upgrade of district public-safety radios to ensure reliable, direct lines of communication with first responders (including the Penn Fire Department and St. Joseph County Police) and an energy-efficient LED lighting replacement for the Penn High School soccer field using Sourcewell cooperative purchasing. Gallagher said the Sourcewell contract provides preexisting competitive pricing and that facilities staff had reviewed scope and cost.
The board voted to approve the slate of capital awards by voice vote, with the president announcing the motion carried 6 to 0.
Votes at a glance
- Adoption of the meeting agenda — approved, voice vote reported 6-0. - Approval of minutes (June 22, 2026) — approved, voice vote reported 6-0. - Consent agenda (including retirement of Jennifer Cobb) — approved, voice vote reported 6-0. - Authorization to publish Form 3 for the proposed 2027 budget — approved, voice vote reported 6-0. - Award of capital projects (public-safety radios and Penn High School soccer-field LED lighting) — approved, voice vote reported 6-0. - Annual ISBA appointments (see separate minutes) — approved, voice votes reported (typical tally reported as 6-0).
What the votes mean next
Wyatt said publishing Form 3 will be followed by the public budget workshop and a public hearing before the board considers final adoption in September. Gallagher said the radio upgrade will provide safety agents and the director of safety and security with direct interoperable communications to support incident response; the lighting project will match prior LED replacements at other PHM athletic facilities and is intended to improve lighting levels and energy efficiency.
The board did not discuss contract award amounts in detail at the meeting and approved the actions as presented. The district indicated Sourcewell was used to secure competitively bid pricing for the lighting project and that Sourcewell handled the competitive procurement for items purchased under that agreement.
