Of his 11 years on the board, Scannell served five as president and three as vice president. During that time, he acted as the board's liaison to the Baldwin Educational Assembly and as representative to the AIDS Advisory Council.
Scannell said he was honored to have served on the board and play a key role in the district's accomplishments over the last decade, but that he now wishes to pursue a career option. "I just have some kind of professional opportunity that I think I need to pursue," Scannell said. "It really has been very much my privilege to serve the Baldwin school community in this way. I have really enjoyed my service and I'm really proud of the accomplishments that our students regularly make. I'm proud to be a member of a community that supports our school system."
Scannell will serve until July 1, which is effectively the start of the 2009-10 school year. Under New York State education law, the board can either hold a special election or appoint someone to the vacant seat. The new trustee's term, however, would only be for one year, and the seat would be up in the next election.
A district official reached on Monday said the board members would likely discuss the matter at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for July 8.
