Longtime School Board Member Laurie Cannon Resigns

School board Vice President Laurie Cannon has resigned from the Board of Education, leaving the board scrambling for a replacement for the remainder of Cannon's term.

The Board of Education in an emergency session held in the Superintendent's conference room at 11 a.m. Friday unanimously accepted Cannon's resignation, dated Aug. 29.

Citing personal commitments, Cannon's resignation letter was read at Friday's emergency session. The letter, signed by Cannon, said her resignation was effective Aug. 21.

"This letter is to confirm my Aug. 21 resignation from the Wall Township Board of Education," said Business Administrator Brian Smyth, reading from Cannon's letter. "I've considered it an honor to serve the students and community of Wall in this position and will miss the friendships I've made throughout my term of service on the board, as well as the many other volunteer positions I've held throughout the years.

"Unfortunately, I've many personal and family obligations that are competing for my time right now and although I will always support my school district, it will have to be in a less time consuming manner than filling a seat on the Board of Education.

"I wish you, Mr. Simon, and the board much success in the coming years.''

The board voted 7-0 to accept Cannon's resignation. Board President John Tavis was absent.

The timing and manner of Cannon's resignation touched off a lengthy discussion about the board's legal rights in filling Cannon's position, since board elections have now moved to the November general election.

The board has 65 days to interview and appoint someone to fill Canon's position for the remainder of the year, according to board Attorney Michael Gross.

But the remainder of Cannon's term was in question.

After much discussion among board members, Gross said that the board is legally required to announce that there will be a vacancy on the board for the remaining year of Cannon's term so that ballots can be printed. 

He said the County Board of Elections has mandated that school boards facing an unexpected vacancy have until Sept. 7 to notify the county of the vacancy and the intent for candidates to vie for the 1-year unexpired term.

Anyone interested in running for the unexpired term will need to obtain and return a nominating petition to the Monmouth County election board, 300 Halls Mill Road, Freehold, by Sept. 7.

The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office, like all county offices, will be closed Monday, Labor Day.

For more information on the nominating petitions, call: (732) 431-7790, or see the website at: http://www.njsba.org/about/candidacy/nominating-petitions.php