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Hanover District Governance

Hanover District Governance

The Hanover School District is responsible for the operation of the Bernice A. Ray School (pre-K through 5), and funding the education of 6th graders at the Dresden School District’s Richmond Middle School.  The Hanover District also provides bus transportation for all Hanover students (K through 12), and funds extraordinary special education for Hanover students (pre-K through age 21).
 
The Hanover District School Board has seven members, with elections in March for staggered 3-year terms.  The Board is responsible for setting District policy, approving curriculum, setting the annual budget, setting or negotiating staff compensation, employing District administrators, and approving certified staff appointments.
 
Hanover District administrators are responsible for operation and management of the Ray School, including staff assignments, staff development, operating policy, budgetary control, and maintaining order and discipline.  The administration is also essential for advising/supporting the Board in executing its responsibilities.

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

The diagram below portrays the general SAU relationships, call SAU 603-643-6050 for paper copy

 

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