Emerson tenders resignation from Unit 1 School Board

Jeff Emerson resigned from the Unit 1 Board of Education on Wednesday, and urged his seat be filled by an individual planning to seek election to the board in spring 2021.
“I have made the decision that my time has come. I have known for sometime that I do not plan on running again in the April election and therefore I believe it is in the best interest of the board and the school district that I resign my board seat now,” Emerson said at the close of the Board of Education’s November meeting.
Emerson served 11.5 years on the board, and as Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg recalled a lot occurred in those years including an addition to the high school, a revamped athletic stadium and numerous other capital improvements, along with “unprecedented academic growth in our kids.”
During his tenure, Emerson served as the board’s representative to the district Athletic Committee, and “under your leadership we’ve increased our athletic programs and offerings for kids...we were able to do all of that and still kept taxes over a $1 less than they were in 2006, which is something that you can leave feeling very, very good about,” Bugg told the outgoing board member.
During those 11.5 years of service, Emerson said he was proud of what the Board of Education stood for and everything it has accomplished.
“It has been my honor to serve with all of you, serve the school district and most importantly serve the community,” Emerson said.
With that, Emerson noted the board has a lot of important discussions and decisions ahead of it and he believes it would be in the district’s best interest to have someone serving on the board who intents to be part of the process in the years ahead.
“Prior to the April [2021] election the board will be developing the process for and maybe even deciding on the next superintendent for the school district and you will be developing the financial plan to see the school district through the loss of 60% of our tax revenue should the Dresden Station actually close in November 2012, those are two very important issues that ultimately will determine the future direction of the school district,” Emerson said.
“This board deserves to have someone fill my seat who actually plans on running for election in April, because that person would actually have the potential to see through the plans that will be made over the next five months,” Emerson continued adding his request that the board interview and select his replacement from those who have pulled petitions for a seat on the board in the spring election.
In the event a seat is vacated 80 days or more before the next scheduled election, the school board must appoint a member within 60 days of the declared vacancy. It was announced at the meeting the process to fill the position will be discussed and finalized when the board meets next month. The 60 day window means a new member must be selected and sworn in on or before Jan. 3, 2021.
Prior to Emerson’s departure from the meeting, board president Ken P. Miller presented him with a plaque recognizing his years of service on the board and commitment to the school district.
“Thank you so much for all you have done for the school district, the kids in the school district and the people around this table,” Miller said, noting the seven members have worked cooperatively as a group to do what is best for the students and residents of the district and Emerson was a large part of that.
“It has been my honor to serve with all of you, together we have accomplished some amazing things for our students and community and I have full confidence that this board will sustain that trend, “Emerson said. “I thank the community for allowing me to serve the school district and I wish the school district continued success in the future.”