began his career in education as a teacher in the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. Having filled a variety of leadership roles at districts across Indiana and Michigan, in July 2006 he returned to P-H-M schools to serve as superintendent.
Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, the district – with over 11,000 students in 15 schools – is an “A”-rated district by the Indiana Department of Education and students are achieving success at the highest levels in the district’s history. As a superintendent for 27 years, Dr. Thacker has published numerous articles and presented on a variety of topics at state, national, and international conferences. He has served as the president of AASA Century Club and Mid-America Association of School Superintendents, as well as serving as an officer in a host of state organizations.
Dr. Thacker was named the 2012 Indiana Superintendent of the Year and the Outstanding Educator by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents in 2013 and 2017. In 2014, he received from Governor Mike Pence a Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest award. In 2012, Dr. Thacker received the Alumnus of the Year award from Bethel University and in 2015, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University South Bend.
Dr. Thacker received his doctorate from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan; a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University South Bend; and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethel University.