WEST NEWBURY — Citing health and personal reasons, Pentucket's Heather Conner has resigned her position as one of three representatives from West Newbury on the regional School Committee, effective immediately. Her term was due to expire in May. This marks the second time Conner has been unable to complete a full three-year term on the board.
"I needed to do this as I begin the new school year tomorrow," Conner stated in a letter of resignation submitted to West Newbury Town Clerk Michael McCarron on Aug. 31.
Noting that she was out on medical leave from her job as a teacher at Reading High School for the second half of last school year, Conner stressed that she felt "this was the only appropriate action to take at this time." She hopes that by making her announcement now, the town will have time to find a replacement prior to the annual School Committee retreat.
Selectmen Chairman Tom Atwood said his board will discuss the process for seating an interim representative at the next selectmen's meeting on Sept. 8. According to the district's regional school agreement, selectmen and the remaining two School Committee representatives from West Newbury will jointly pick a person to fill the seat until a candidate can be voted in at town elections in May.
Atwood plans to schedule a meeting with representatives Jill Eichhorst and Andrew Turbide for Sept. 22. Anyone interested in serving for the year should contact Kris Pyle in the selectmen's office, 978-363-1100, ext. 115.
In April 2006, Conner stepped down from the committee, midterm, citing professional conflicts. However, her work circumstances changed in 2007, and voters returned her to the Pentucket post after she waged a successful campaign against newcomer William Bachrach, who now serves on the town's Finance Board.
Conner, who earned a reputation on the committee as a staunch and vocal supporter of educators and students, expressed disappointment and sadness at having to again step down. A combination of "medical and personal issues" prompted her resignation, Conner wrote, adding that she spent "many months deliberating over this difficult decision."
"With uncompromising integrity and passion I have served, and I am honored to have met and worked alongside an amazing group of talented and dedicated educators in our school community," she wrote.
The news of her resignation hit teachers hard as they returned to school for the fall semester this week.
"Heather has been a fierce advocate for both students and teachers, and has consistently followed her heart and strong educational values to see that the needs of our Pentucket students are met," Maria Gray, president of the Pentucket Association of Teachers, said when learning of the resignation. "For the association, our children and our parents at Pentucket, Heather has been a dedicated voice and dependable partner since day one. We are losing a loyal friend and colleague. This is, without question, Pentucket's great loss."
Atwood, who served — and occasionally verbally sparred with Conner over budgeting issues during his tenure on the school board — had praise for her commitment to Pentucket and West Newbury.
"Heather's passion for education is unmatched," he said yesterday. "She has dedicated many years of service to our schools and town, and her contributions will be missed."
Selectman Dick Cushing said, "Despite a busy teaching and family schedule, Heather has an outstanding School Committee attendance record. She has kept herself fully informed on the Page School facilities issues and made herself available to selectmen and other town officials as frequently as possible."
Selectman Glenn Kemper added, "I loved talking education with Heather. A good education for the children was always her first priority. We will miss her."
Conner concluded her letter by apologizing for any inconvenience her resignation may cause.
"Thank you for the experience, professionalism and friendship of so many in our district ... I am confident my replacement will represent West Newbury as proudly as I have."
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