Next month, Trustee Sue Tombrella will bid farewell to the Oxford Board of Education as she pursues a new business venture.
‘An opportunity that I really couldn’t turn down presented itself, so I took it,? she said. ‘Opportunity in these economic times only knocks once in a while.?
On Monday, Tombrella formally submitted her letter of resignation, effective June 13, to the board and Superintendent Dr. William Skilling.
‘I’m just finishing out the school year,? she said.
Tombrella recently became a business partner in a young, growing healthcare company based in Florida. Her new position is very time-consuming and requires a lot of travel, thus her resignation from the school board.
Although she admitted ‘it was a very hard decision,? ultimately, Tombrella said, ‘It was the best decision for myself and my family.?
Elected to the board in May 2006, Tombrella’s term of office doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2010.
According to state law, the school board, which meets twice a month, will have 30 days after Tombrella’s resignation becomes effective to appoint someone to temporarily fill her seat.
Potential candidates must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a registered voter and a resident of the Oxford school district which encompasses portions of Oxford, Addison, Brandon, Metamora, Dryden and Hadley townships.
Whoever is appointed to Tombrella’s seat would serve until the November 2009 election, at which point, someone would be elected to finish the remainder of the term.
Those wishing to apply for Tombrella’s seat are asked to submit a letter of interest to Skilling. His e-mail address is skillw01@oxford.k12.mi.us. Those using the postal system can send their letters to Skilling’s attention at 105 Pontiac St., Oxford, MI 48371.
Tombrella has nothing but fond memories of her three years helping to oversee the 96-square-mile district. ‘I really enjoyed being on the school board,? she said. ‘We’ve got a wonderful staff. We’ve got wonderful administrators in our central office. And we have a great body of students.?
Looking back, Tombrella is proudest of the fact the district’s been ‘able to maintain the quality of education? it has and ‘offer some new academic (programs) and sports activities at no additional cost to families.?
‘I think we’ve been able to do a lot of cost-effective things and (make) cost reductions, (but) not compromise the quality of our athletics and academics,? she said. ‘That’s huge given the state is cutting the budget constantly.?
Tombrella was also pleased the district was ‘able to reduce some of the out-of-pocket expenses that our families had to pay? by eliminating pay-to-play sports.
When it came to the superintendent, who was hired on her watch, Tombrella had nothing but praise.
‘Dr. Skilling is an amazing individual,? she said. ‘He’s brought a lot of valuable insight and leadership to the district. I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. I think he’s a wonderful man.?
‘I just hope that our community continues to support Dr. Skilling and his efforts. I think he’s definitely headed in the right direction. He’s a terrific leader.?
Although she’s leaving the school board, Tombrella told Skilling ‘he can call on me anytime? and she ‘would be more than happy to support him in any way.?
For more information about applying for the school board seat, call (248) 969-5000.