Hanover District Governance
SAU 70 - The Hanover District operates within the New Hampshire School Administrative Unit #70 (SAU 70). The SAU employs five administrators, and provides financial services and administrative support for three component school districts; the Hanover NH District (K-5), the Norwich VT District (K-6), and the combined Dresden District (6-12). The SAU is led by the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent is supported by the Assistant Superintendent. Financial and business affairs are directed by the Business Administrator. Special education direction is provided by the Director of Student Services. The Technology Director is responsible for guiding electronic and digital capabilities across all three districts, and the Facilities Manager is in charge of plant and equipment.
The Dresden School District operates the Richmond Middle School (grades 6-8) and Hanover High School (grades 9-12) for Hanover and Norwich students, plus a number of tuition students from neighboring towns. Funding for the Dresden schools is apportioned between Hanover and Norwich in proportion to the number of students from each town.
The diagram below portrays the general SAU relationships
Budgeting - Each of the three districts is funded by its own budget. Annual budget-setting is critical in the governance of the Districts. The budgeting process lasts almost seven months, beginning with guideline-setting in the late summer, and ending with draft budgets presented to the Boards in December. After review and adjustment in January and February, budgets are offered for approval by the Board in February and voted by the electorate in early March. Throughout those months there is critical input from school staff and administrators, as well as the Finance Committee (an independent unit providing guidance to the Town and to the District).
The Budget process is open to the public. Meetings are posted on the SAU website. Citizens who wish to help shape spending priorities are always welcome to attend and to offer suggestions. Early involvement is often the most effective, as initial guidelines and objectives generally drive much of the budget outcome.
- ray handbook