Ryan Haack resigns from H-M-S school board

This month's meeting of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn School Board began with an announcement that one of its members was resigning.

Board President Scott Vollink announced that Ryan Haack, of Sanborn, was resigning because he was moving from Director District 1. Haack was appointed to the board in January of 2017 to succeed Jill Zeutenhorst, who had resigned. He was elected to his current four-year term in 2019.

Vollink read a statement from Haack which expressed his thanks for the opportunity to serve on the board. He commended the other board members, administration, faculty and staff for the accomplishments that occurred during his time in office.

District policy states that a vacancy will be filled by board appointment within 30 days. Notice must be published stating the board's intention to fill the position in that way.

This particular situation is somewhat different, for Haack's resignation comes just before the Nov. 7 regular school election. The term for the Director District 1 seat expires at that time, and no one filed a nomination petition to be listed on the ballot. Any resident of that district receiving the most write-in votes would be elected, if they choose to serve.

"You could let the process play out and see who is written in, or you could still appoint," said Superintendent Patrick Carlin. "If we do not have a write-in, we will have to meet to discuss options."

If the board does appoint someone to fill the vacancy, residents have the right to file a petition calling for a special election. If an appointment is not made, the board secretary is authorized to call for a special election to occur no sooner than 60 days and not later than 70 days after the vacancy occurs.

Vollink suggested that board members consider all the options before making a final decision.