Another School Board member in Pittsfield – the third since last spring – has resigned with little notice.
This time, Jessica Drouin left her post on the board this month. She declined to reveal specifically why she resigned, but her email to the Monitor on Thursday suggested she was concerned about Pittsfield’s future and was no longer comfortable serving as an elected official.
“My heart hurts for the community and the current situation that the Pittsfield School District is facing,” Drouin said. “I just hope that the person who fills this seat has the strength to fight for what is best for the current and future students of the District.”
School Board Chairman Adam Gauthier could not be reached for comment.
In April, Bea Douglas and Ted Mitchell resigned due to what Gauthier said in an email was for “health and personal reasons. It is unfortunate to lose them and the amount of experience that they brought to the table.”
It was unclear exactly when the pair resigned. They had given no indication that they planned to leave before their terms had ended, a decision that shocked a lot of residents and officials. Neither could be reached for comment.
Douglas and Mitchell were replaced by Molly Goggin and Diane Rider.
Although it’s an elected position, the School Board chooses new members to fill openings on the board, an issue that in other towns in the past has created friction between residents and the board.
Meanwhile, Drouin said in her email that her resignation does not mean she won’t remain focused on the town of Pittsfield.
“That I am and will always be a part of my community,” Drouin said, “I have stepped down from my elected School Board seat but that does not mean that I am not going to continue to fight for what I think is best for the students of Pittsfield.”