Hermiston School District

Board of Education

The Hermiston Board of Education is comprised of seven elected members serving four-year terms. Annually, the board elects a chairman and vice-chairman. Board members are community volunteers and are not compensated for their work. The Board of Education acts as the policy-making body for the Hermiston School District.

Board Goals

Academic Achievement. Demonstrate continuous improvement in all measured areas for each student.
Stewardship. Maintain sound fiscal stewardship of community resources consistent with board policy.
Community. Engage our diverse community in creating opportunities to advance student achievement.

Sally Hansell

Chair Served since 2021 Term Ends 2025 Occupation: Attorney and Owner at Anderson Hansell PC, Owner TSH LLC

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Bonnie Luisi

Vice-Chair Served Since 2016 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Retired Classified Employee

James Hurst

Second Vice-Chair Served Since 2023 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Financial Advisor

Liliana Gomez

Member Served Since 2022 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Police Records Specialist

Dain Gardner

Member Served Since 2021 Term Ends 2025 Occupation: Retired Senior Trooper Oregon State Police, Fish & Wildlife

Karen Sherman

Member Served Since 2001 Term Ends 2025 Occupation: Retired Middle School Teacher

Teri Vander Stelt

Member Served Since 2022 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Veterinarian

Sally Hansell

Chair Served since 2021 Term Ends 2025 Occupation: Attorney and Owner at Anderson Hansell PC, Owner TSH LLC

Email Me

Bonnie Luisi

Vice-Chair Served Since 2016 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Retired Classified Employee

James Hurst

Second Vice-Chair Served Since 2023 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Financial Advisor

Liliana Gomez

Member Served Since 2022 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Police Records Specialist

Dain Gardner

Member Served Since 2021 Term Ends 2025 Occupation: Retired Senior Trooper Oregon State Police, Fish & Wildlife

Karen Sherman

Member Served Since 2001 Term Ends 2025 Occupation: Retired Middle School Teacher

Teri Vander Stelt

Member Served Since 2022 Term Ends 2027 Occupation: Veterinarian

Participate

Hermiston School District welcomes our community to attend school board meetings virtually or in person.

Parents, teachers, and even students can attend and share their ideas or concerns. After talking about the issues, the board members vote on what changes should happen. These meetings are important because they help make schools better for everyone!

In Person: Meetings are held at the School District Offices at 305 SW 11^th St, Hermiston, OR

Join Virtually: All regular boarding meetings are broadcast online via YouTube.

Board Meetings are Important

“School Board meetings offer a vital platform for community members to stay informed and engaged with the issues affecting our schools. From budget reports by Director of Business Services, Katie Saul, to program updates from our Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education, these meetings provide insights into curriculum, funding, and policy matters. Principals and their leadership teams also share progress and special initiatives happening in their schools. Attending ensures a well-rounded understanding of the district’s goals and fosters a stronger connection between the community and its schools.”

Bonnie Luisi, HSD School Board

Board Meetings are Important

“School board meetings are essential because they provide parents, teachers, students, and community leaders with a platform to influence critical decisions about school policies, budgets, and programs. They ensure accountability from board members and district officials, allowing parents to voice concerns about their children's education, teachers to advocate for resources, and community leaders to support initiatives that align with local values. Attending these meetings strengthens the relationship between the district and its stakeholders, ensuring that everyone stays informed and engaged in shaping the future of local schools.”

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Board-Community Operating Agreement

The Board believes that the best interests of the district are served when district Stakeholders (all residents within the district, including students, parents, staff, and community members) and board members work together toward school improvement. The Board recognizes the importance of being responsive to Stakeholders. As publicly elected officials, the Board serves the community. The Board must therefore work with Stakeholders while we establish the mission and direction of the district. The Board welcomes input from and collaboration with Stakeholders, whose interests and concerns contribute to the district’s health and stability.

For the purpose of encouraging and enhancing communication, accountability, and public trust between members of the Board and the district Stakeholders, we, the members of the Board of Education do hereby publicly commit ourselves collectively and individually to the following: