STAFF REPORT

ISLE OF WIGHT
Robert Eley, current vice chairman of the Isle of Wight County School Board, has resigned from his position, effective Friday. He handed his letter of resignation to Chairman Julia Perkins after the adjournment of Thursday’s school board meeting. Eley indicated to Perkins that increased demands from his job, along with the ongoing responsibilities of being a board member, were leaving little time for his family.

“I ran for this seat with a vision to listen to the needs of the parents, teachers, and students of my district and to be their voice,” Eley stated in his letter. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to have served as a representative; however, I know that just as a renewed vision of leadership was needed when I stepped in this position, it is now time for me to pass this responsibility and reward to another.”

In his letter, Eley listed several accomplishments that highlight his time on the board.

They include advancements in technology throughout the division, implementation of a curriculum to ensure students are college and career-ready, and the construction of Georgie D. Tyler Middle School.

Eley was appointed to the school board in 2010 to fill the seat vacated by former board member Kenneth Bunch. He was elected to finish the remainder of Bunch’s term, then re-elected to the school board in November 2013. Eley is a lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County, a Windsor High School graduate, and former president of the Windsor Youth Foundation.

“It takes a lot of time if it’s done correctly to be on the school board,” he said. “It’s not once a month and you go back home.

I just felt like at this time I could not spend enough time to do what I felt like a school board member should do so I felt I should step down and let someone else who could spend more time take over.”

“On behalf of Isle of Wight County Schools, I want to thank Mr. Eley for his years of service to the division,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton.

“He has been a dedicated public servant for the Carrsville community and a staunch supporter of doing what’s best for all children. His presence on the board will be missed.”