Concord School Board president Jennifer Patterson announced she is resigning from her position after more than 12 years on the board.
In a letter to the Concord community sent out by email Thursday afternoon, Patterson wrote that she is in the process of moving out of New Hampshire, and that she will be stepping down from her position effective Aug. 31. Her term does not expire until December 2021.
“It has been my privilege to serve on the board for the past twelve and a half years. I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside over 30 different board members, all of whom added their own voices and perspectives to the work of the district,” Patterson wrote. “Every robust policy discussion, every difficult decision worked out through creativity and compromise, has added to the strength and resilience of the board and the district. In this era of rancor and partisanship, through many wrenching challenges, the board has maintained its commitment to civility, hard work, and public education.”
Patterson presided over the board during a tumultuous time for the Concord School District, which included sexual assault charges against former high school teacher Howie Leung, the dismissal of the former superintendent and high school principal, and the hiring of two interim superintendents. Just as the district had revised its policies regarding teacher conduct and hired a new Title IX coordinator, last school year was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. The district is also in the process of examining racial justice in schools and whether all students are treated equally, following requests for reform from students and alumni.
In her letter, Patterson praised students and community members for continuing to speak up about issues that matter to them, and encouraged people to get involved and run for school board themselves in the fall.
“I am glad the board has learned to listen to your voices, even when the things you are saying are difficult to hear,” Patterson wrote. “You are the leaders we must follow if we want true change.”
Patterson’s seat will be up for election in November, along with three others. Board members Tom Croteau (District A), Liza Poinier (District B) and Chuck Crush (District C), all have terms ending in December. Patterson’s position is one of the three “at large” positions on the board, meaning she represents the whole city.
The filing period for candidates for the Concord School District Board of Education will open on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.