Cathy Perfect - Special to the Sun

Kernville Union School District Trustee Myrna Sweeney stunned the community by submitting her letter of resignation from the Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 10.

Sweeney’s letter did not cite specific reasons, but in a letter to the editor published on page A8 of this week’s issue of the Sun, the retired teacher said, 'I no longer feel good about some decisions that have been made in the district so it is time for me to resign.'

Myrna Sweeney, left, is pictured with KUSD Superintendent Mary Barlow, trustees Tom Moore and Cassie Wingender, past trustees Shirley Keeling and Wendy Russ, trustees Ross Elliott and Mike Hughes at Kernville Elementary School’s ribbon-cutting last year.

Cassie Wingender, her running mate in the November 2006 election that brought both retired KUSD teachers to the board, said, 'I have really enjoyed working with Myrna Sweeney as a fellow teacher and on the school board. She has provided much to the children in the valley. During her tenure as a teacher she positively influenced many children who have gone on and become successful.

'Myrna is a very caring compasionate person who brings comfort to those in need. I know that many children have been clothed, cared for, and, in some cases, even fed due to her efforts. Knowing Myrna, she will continue to help children and those in need of a boost.'

Trustee and Clerk of the Board Ross Elliott said the resignation came as a surprise, but he extended his appreciation for her service to the community. 'She brought a unique and valuable perspective to the school board,' Elliott said. 'Her personal history of being a life-long valley resident, coupled with her rich, lengthy teaching career provided the board with some keen insights. Her premature departure from the Board leaves a big vacancy, and I wish her the very best in her other pursuits.'

Upon hearing of Sweeney’s resgination, KUSD Superintendent Mary Barlow issued a statement to all district employees saying, 'We thank Myrna for her service to the district and we hope that she will continue to support the schools in the future as she has done with her service on the board.'

According to board president Tom Moore, the board has a number of options from which to choose in order to fill this vacant seat. The remaining trustees can appoint someone to fill the seat until the next available election, which in this case will be in November of 2008. Another option is to look back at the most recent board election and choose the person who held the next highest number of votes, which in November 2006 was Wendy Russ, who lost her re-election bid.

Moore explained that it would also be possible for any interested party to come before the board in open session, with resume in hand, and campaign for the spot. The matter could be decided by calling a special meeting, or it could be addressed at the next regularly scheduled meeting on February 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wallace Cafetorium.