Brown, Smith Resign From School Board

Two members of the Manasquan Board of Education, citing differing reasons, resigned from their posts this week. 

Trisha Brown and Jim Smith submitted their letters of resignation — read publicly by school officials at Tuesday's School Board meeting — which contained differing explanations for stepping down. 

Brown said in her letter that she had too many "family and personal commitments" to fulfill the requirements of her position, while Smith's letter cited "philosophical, educational and financial differences" with the board at-large. 

Board President Michelle LaSala said after both letters were read that the former member's decisions were "personal choices" and "should not be interpreted as anything more.

"I'd like thank Mr. Smith and Mrs. Brown for handling their choice to resign with dignity, and I wish them nothing but the best," LaSala said. "I want to make it perfectly clear to the public that these resignations were personal choices of Mr. Smith and Mrs. Brown and they should not be interpreted as anything more."

Smith and Brown, who both often butted heads with majority opinions, were the only two board members to vote against next school year's budget. 

"After a great deal of soul searching I regrettably submit my resignation as a member of the Manasquan Board of Education," said Smith's letter, read by LaSala. "Recent philosophical, educational and financial differences led me to the conclusion that I cannot accomplish the goals I set out to attain.

"Only time will tell if my goals were right or wrong, but until that is determined, I thank the administration, students and residents for the opportunity to serve the Manasquan Board of Education," Smith's letter said. 

LaSala suggested that the resignations were not a reflection of any dysfunction between current board members. 

"I am very pleased with how well this board is functioning and I thank my colleagues for further moving in the right direction," LaSala said. 

Brown said in her letter that she was making room for someone with more time to devote to the position. 

"My family and personal commitments have become too great for me to be able to fulfill the requirements of my position on the board and I feel that it is in the best interest of the taxpayers for me to make room for someone with the time and energy to devote to this volunteer position," Brown's letter said.