The District will adhere to the listed meeting dates unless unexpected conflicts occur. If it becomes necessary to change board meeting dates or hold a special board meeting, notices are posted in advance at the Hagerman Elementary School’s front door, the Jr/Sr High School’s front door, and the city’s post office.

Board meetings provide an opportunity for public comment and the public is invited to attend. Individuals who would like to address the board are invited to do so; however, at least one week advance notice is required to be placed on the agenda. For information, please contact Bette Reed, Clerk of the Board at 837-6344.

The School District meeting room is accessible to the physically disabled.

How the Board Works

As board members, we are proud of our school system and are dedicated to the continued improvement of the schools in our district. We know that from time to time patrons have concerns that they need to bring to the attention of the staff members or the board. In order to maintain continuity and best resolve these issues, we recommend the following procedures:

• Take the concern to the staff member who is closest to the problem. We believe that most problems can be most effectively resolved at this level.
• If there is still a concern, we recommend that you contact the principal of the school. Often, the building administrator may be able to mediate or resolve issues.
• Difficult issues that are still unresolved after meeting with building administrators should be taken to the Superintendent of Schools.
• If, after following these protocol steps, the patron still feels the concern has not been properly resolved, he/she may appeal to the Board of Trustees. This is done by calling or meeting with the Superintendent and asking for the item to be placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Usually, the board will direct the administration to help resolve the issue and ask for a report back to the board at a later date. Please remember, however, that it may take time to resolve the situation. We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the situation.

While we hold public meetings, the meetings are not public forums. If you would like to address the board, the following guidelines may help you present your information to the board:

• Prepare your thoughts ahead of time. Usually a brief, written outline handed to each board member helps them follow your presentation. This outline would also give them something upon which to make notes as you speak.
• If a group is involved, select one individual to be your spokesperson. The spokesperson can guide the presentation to the board and help the board chairman in directing questions to the group.
• Please make your presentation as brief as possible. Include time for a question/answer period. If more time is needed, it is best to give a complete written presentation to the board for their future study. If you give more than five to six minutes of testimony, time restraints may make it difficult for the board to respond that same evening.

Public and/or employee business matters brought before the Board should be submitted in writing to the Superintendent’s office no later than noon on Wednesday preceding a regular board meeting. Items brought up during the section of the agenda, “Unscheduled Subjects” might not be acted upon and, at the Board’s discretion, may or may not be addressed during that regular board meeting.

Individuals wishing to be heard by the Board shall sign up with the Clerk of the Board
following these guidelines:

• Sign name and agenda items on sign-up sheet prior to the start of the Board meeting
• At the discretion of the Chairman, time may be limited to three minutes

Speakers must:

• Reside within the boundaries of the Hagerman Joint School District
• Be a student, parent/guardian of a student, an employee of the District, or a representative of a firm eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the Board

If two or more patrons wish to address the Board on the same topic, they shall choose a spokesperson and that person may address the Board.