Bartlett seeks new school board member

The school board is looking for a new board member after Dave Lennon officially stepped down this month to accept a position as social studies teacher at Kennett High."Thanks for the opportunity, it's been a privilege to serve," Lennon said at the Aug. 4 meeting.He praised the school staff and his colleagues on the board for their commitment to excellence."This school here is something we can all be really proud of," Lennon said. "When you talk about community, this school is community in action; it's beyond comparison. Seeing what happens in this school is part of what inspired me to get into teaching. I was fortunate enough to serve on the technology committee and I've continually been blown away by what we have in this building. It's world class."Lennon thanked his fellow board members."You guys are always trying to do the right thing, and that's to praised," he said. "There have been times where there have been heated discussions and even arguments, but we always came to a good solution.""I think, David, you were a very good school board member," Vicki Harlow, board chair, said. "I think one of your best qualities was your business sense.""Henry (board member Henry Villaume) and I did more engineering studies on the phone system (for the school) than they did on the space shuttle," Lennon said, laughing.Harlow anticipated the board putting out a request for applications within the community in an effort to fill out the remainder of Lennon's term for this year through March."I hope we'll find someone willing and eager to serve," she said. "It would be nice if we could find a board member with children currently in the school since none of the rest of the board currently have children in Josiah Bartlett (School).""I agree with Vicki, it would be nice to have someone with ties inside the school," Lennon said.Anyone interested in the vacant seat is asked to contact Superintendent Carl Nelson (356-5533) and drop off a letter of inquiry at his office on Pine Street in North Conway. All letters must be submitted by Aug. 26. At that time Nelson will forward copies to the board members for review prior to their Sept. 6 meeting.On Sept. 6, the board will interview finalists and possibly make a decision that evening on the new appointee.The board voted 3-0 to accept Lennon's resignation with "deep regret."