The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn school board will be one member short soon.

Board President Scott Heetland submitted his letter of resignation effective Jan. 1. The May City-area farmer served for 13 years, having first been elected in 2008 after defeating incumbent Merlin Sandersfeld by 20 votes.

Heetland said the timing was right to step aside.

"I probably wouldn't have ran last time, but wanted to see the facilities projects through because I was heavily involved in that process," he said. "Now that all of it is taken care of, I think it's time for me to move on."

Heetland helped guide a massive improvement project that saw a new elementary school and junior high built thanks to an $18.9 million bond issue passed by H-M-S patrons in 2018. He was part of a board committee that addressed issues with the district's contractors and monitored progress, which took two years to complete.

"It was a lot being involved in the building process and holding peoples' feet to the fire when it had to be done," he said. "I've had a lot of people say that they were glad someone like me was on the board to do that."

Heetland said he learned a lot during his tenure. Eight of his 13 years were spent as board president, which came with several additional responsibilities.

"There's a lot more involved with it than you think when you first get on," he said. "It's a team effort, and you've gotta realize there are differences of opinion."

Heetland served with three superintendents during his tenure – Lynn Evans, Bill Thompson and Patrick Carlin. In addition to upgrading facilities, the board has focused on stabilizing the district's finances and improving academic performance.

Heetland believed H-M-S was on solid footing with a positive outlook moving forward.

"There were a few trying times with monies and stuff like that, but I think we have things figured out now and it's going good," he said. "I think the district is in an excellent spot right now. I don't think it's ever been better."

Heetland is a 1989 graduate of H-M-S High School. He and his wife, Tammy, have three grown children, all of whom graduated from H-M-S. He was proud of his tenure and wished the district success in the future.

"It's just time for me to move on," he said. "There are no hard feelings or anything like that. I think the board is in a really, really good position right now."

The school board plans to appoint a member to fill the Director District 4 vacancy at its next meeting on Jan. 17. H-M-S patrons can force a special election for the seat if a petition is filed by Jan. 13.