(Ed.'s note: The following letter was sent to BOE President Robert Seiden and reprinted here at the writer's request.)

As we discussed, I am writing with deep regret to resign from the school board. Since I became a state employee on January 1 my time has been limited, and I have recently been able to do only the minimum level of work required for board service. My schedule and availability are likely to become even more limited and as a result I think it is appropriate that I resign effective immediately upon board acceptance.

I have been honored to serve the public as a board member and hope I contributed, even if in a small way, to reaching a fair, financially responsible agreement with our teachers after a year without a contract, to reaching a similar agreement with our paraprofessionals, to arriving at an educationally sound but fiscally responsible budget to be considered by the voters next month and finally to the creation of multiple polling places.

I want to acknowledge your fair and balanced leadership, Mark's judgment and balance behind the scenes, Nancy's long years of service to the district and our community, Roy's steady focus on our policies and processes, Jean Marie's important contributions to arriving at a budget that appropriately balances the educational and fiscal needs of our community and finally Larry's perseverance on curriculum issues. I also want to recognize Dr. Gordon for his leadership and concern for our students.

I wish you and the board and the district continued success across the board.

Patrick J. Foye