The Board of Education is the governing body of the Tomahawk School District with responsibility for developing policy to ensure the proper care, management and control of District affairs. The Board consists of nine citizens elected at large by the voters of Tomahawk and surrounding townships. Board members serve three year terms, with three members of the Board subject to election each year.
In addition to setting policy, the Board hires the superintendent; approves staff hiring, transfers, resignations, terminations, and leaves of absence; approves expenditures; approves educational programs (curriculum); and otherwise ensures that the facilities and equipment are available to support learning and teaching in the District. The Board also approves the budget and tax levy for the School District.
Every year in May, the Board holds an organization meeting to elect officers (President Vice-President, Clark and Treasurer), appoint committees and settle other routine business. There is one standing committee – Finance, that meets monthly to study specific issues and work on special projects as assigned by the Board, and make recommendations to the Board as a whole.
Wisconsin School Boards deal with local conditions and decide local issues. Their power and authority, as established in the Wisconsin Constitution, are derived from the state. Wisconsin laws provide specific direction for the organization of school boards in school districts such as Tomahawk.
School Board powers are limited to matters for which there is specific statutory authority or to matters, which are essential to the accomplishment of the purposes for which the school district was created. Numerous state and federal laws also affect or limit the way a school board may exercise its power.
The District is managed by the administration, working within the meaning and intent of Board policies. The administration is guided by the Superintendent.
Board Meetings
The Board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month (The fourth Tuesday meetings are not scheduled during the months of July, December, and March)and posts its meetings according to Wisconsin Open Meetings Law which can be found at this link: http://www.tomahawk.k12.wi.us/2018 OML Compliance Guide.pdf.,from time to time, will add additional meetings. Public sessions of all meetings of the Board are typically held at the School District Auditorium, located at 1048 E King Rd in Tomahawk and convene at 6:00 PM. The location of the meetings and notice of special meetings are published in the Tomahawk Leader before the meeting. Meeting notices are also posted on the District’s Web Page at www.tomahawk.k12.wi.us. Inquiries about meetings should be directed to the Superintendent’s office at 715-453-5555.
Public Participation at Board Meetings
The public is welcome to attend School Board meetings, workshops and public feedback sessions. The Tomahawk Board of Education welcomes public participation in its meetings and encourages citizens to express their views on subjects related to the Tomahawk Public Schools. Members of the public may participate in regular School Board meetings in the following way:
Hearings of Individuals and Delegations. At most meetings, the Board provides public comments during a regularly scheduled meeting at which members of the public may address the Board about an issue of concern, whether or not the item is on the agenda. Individuals are asked to sign up to address the Board prior to the commencement of the meeting. Speakers are asked to identify themselves and their topic of interest before beginning their comments and may speak for a period of three minutes. A three minute time limit per speaker apply here.
Other Methods of Communicating with the Board
A member of the community also may communicate with the Board by writing to the members of the Board and/or the Superintendent via email. Individual email addresses are available on the District Web Page. As always your input is welcome.
Agenda
A written agenda is available for each meeting at each school’s office, located at 1048 E. Kings Rd. As mentioned previously, all meeting notices are posted on the District’s Web Page as well.
The customary order of business includes:
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Declaration of a Quorum
5. Adoption of Agenda
6. Public Comment
7. Consent Agenda Items
8. Financial
9. Staff Reports
10. Board Discussion Items and Approvals
11. Adjourn
Citizen Participation
Citizens of the area are encouraged to become active in the Tomahawk Public Schools. Questions and concerns about an individual school should be addressed to the Principal of that school.
Individuals who wish to address the Board may do so by contacting the Office of the Superintendent prior to the Wednesday preceding monthly meetings.
Superintendent of Schools
The Superintendent of Schools is appointed by the Board of Education as its executive officer. He or she administers Board policies and oversees the operation of the school district. It is his or her duty to keep the Board informed regarding the needs of the school district. The Superintendent and staff are professional resources to the Board. Superintendent recommendations are made prior to Board action.
Meeting minutes
Board of Education agendas, background and minutes are listed on the District’s Web Page at www.tomahawk.k12.wi.us. Printed copies of the minutes from all Board meeting may be requested by contacting the District office
Learn more about what it means to be a School Board Member:
WASB Guide for Candidates
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