Peters Township School Board Member Julie Ann Sullivan Resigns

In a surprising move, Peters Township Board of Education member resigned Monday night, with the resignation effective immediately.

The board then acted to fill the vacancy, naming to fill the remainder of her term until December 2011. 

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Sullivan announced her intention to resign at the end of Monday night's meeting.

Reading from a prepared statement, Sullivan said when she decided to run for office four years ago she believed she could assist the school district in its vision for the future.

“I am proud of what I have contributed over the years," she said. “I know I have made a difference that has enriched not only the school district, but the community as a whole. My decisions have always been made after reading information submitted to the board and discussion with our superintendent and fellow board members.”

Sullivan said that to utilize that type of decision-making takes a lot of time—time, she said, that she has given to perform “at (her) highest level for this board and community.”

Sullivan said she finds herself in a situation where the life of being a school board director and her personal life are no longer compatible.

“I no longer have the ability to work for this school district at the high level of commitment that I promised myself I would have,” she said.

Sullivan said she will be forever indebted to her fellow board members, past and present, for the opportunity to learn and improve many essential life skills.

“I have also had the privilege of working with our superintendent, who, along with her new team, will work towards completing her outstanding vision for our school district,” she said.

Sullivan thanked residents of the community who “overwhelmingly made (her) feel appreciated."

"I heard many times that this is a thankless job, but I never felt that way,” she said.

Sullivan’s resignation was accepted by an 8-0 vote. Board member Mark Buzzatto was not in attendance.

Board member Cindy Golembiewski said she was surprised by Sullivan's decision.

“I didn’t know you had planned to resign or I would have tried to talk you out of it," she said. "It was a pleasure working with you. I’m sure you changed in the time that you were here, and I’m sure you changed me.”

Other board members also expressed their gratitude for Sullivan’s service.

Dunleavy was nominated to fill the vacancy by board member Lori Cuervo. The nomination was approved by an 8-0 vote. Dunleavy will likely be sworn in at the next board meeting.

Outside of a major write-in campaign from another candidate, the resignation of Sullivan virtually assures  a win in his quest to fill the seat of Buzzatto, who did not seek reelection for another term.

Candidates for the five vacancies will be Merrell, Dunleavy, , and .

In the other major action taken Monday night, the board approved a new three-year contract for . The awarding of a contract was a follow-up to a decision in March not to reopen the superintendent’s position. Zetty’s contract will run through Aug. 17, 2014 with a salary of $139,570.