School board member's resignation letter

This is Bruce Glawe's resignation letter to members of the Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board:

After serving for almost four years, I am resigning my position as a member of the Indian Prairie District 204 school board effective immediately.

The demands of my job, coupled with my desire to spend more time with my family and in volunteering in several other places, have brought me to this decision.

I believe the timing of my resignation to be advantageous to anyone who has an interest in filling this position. The beginning of a new school year is a perfect time for a new member to join the school board.

It has been a very busy four years for the school board. As I reflect on my time as a board member, I am proud of all that has been accomplished in District 204. The short list of accomplishments achieved through incredible participation and teamwork includes: the passing of a building referendum; the start of construction on the new Metea High School; the hiring of a new superintendent; the restructuring of the district's long-term indebtedness resulting in a decline in the bond and interest rate on property tax bills; the district's continued strong financial rating and performance; a heightened focus on improving student achievement by implementing numerous programs such as all-day kindergarten, interventionists, a change in the middle school schedule, a focus on site-specific leadership and initiatives, and the development of data-driven comprehensive plans for school and individual student improvement; the receipt of numerous awards in music, fine arts and athletics; the formation of several citizens advisory committees; a reorganization of the technology department; an extreme makeover of the district's Web site; and finally the openings of Peterson Elementary and the Frontier Campus.

I wish to thank my fellow board members for all of the many hours we have spent together focused always on what is best for the students of District 204. We came to realize that it is paramount to focus on what is learned and not what is taught. I wish to thank all of the administrators, principals, teachers and staff who I have come to know personally, not only as true professionals, but as friends. They are the reason why I moved my family into the district years ago and why so many other families have made District 204 their home.

The education we are providing our young people in this district is exemplary. Finally, I wish to thank all of the district's parents and parent organizations who spend so much of their time being involved in the education of our children and in supporting the district's efforts in Preparing All Students to Succeed.