Citing interest in shifting the scope of her advocacy for the students of the Marshall school district and a number of work and other interests that are complicating her ability to serve, Marshall Board of Education member Jeanette Klinge submitted her resignation effective Friday, Sept. 26, according to a letter released by the board Thursday, Oct. 2.

The board met in special session Thursday evening to accept Klinge's resignation and to decide how to proceed in filling the rest of her term.

Board President Anita Wright read excerpts from Klinge's letter, including:

"There are several reasons for this. I am trying to do three jobs. The embroidery and imprint, the insurance, and at the convenience store and I am staying very busy.

"I want to advocate for our kids from a distance. I have a much broader view from the outside looking in than from the inside looking out," Klinge's letter said.

She also noted that being on the school board limits her ability to do business with the district because she adheres to conflict of interest policies.

In the letter, she also noted her passion for the Week in Pink cancer fundraising effort, which she has been heavily involved in this year and hopes will grow in the future to a statewide event.

Wright said Klinge has served the district well over the 8 1/2 years she's been on the board and noted that she would be difficult to replace.

"I think she did a mighty fine job," Wright said. "She's going to be missed."

Klinge served on the board through some difficult times, most recently the termination in January of former superindent Rob Gordon and the termination in July of three elementary school teachers accused of breaching standardized test security protocols.

She indicated she thinks the new superintendent is "the right man" and that she now wants "to stand back and view the growth" of the district.

Klinge was the most outspoken member of the board in recent years, and in her letter she said she hoped her service had contributed to the district.

"Some people are like Lou Pinella and they kick the dirt up now and then," she said. "I hope the dirt I kicked up will light the much-needed fire and results will be forthcoming."

The board will advertise for someone to complete the final six months of her three-year term, inviting application letters from anyone who is a resident taxpayer of the district, has resided in the state for one year preceding their appointment and is at least 24 years old.

Letters can be sent to board Secretary Linda Perkins at 860 W. Vest St., Marshall, Mo., 65340.

The deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.

The board agreed to hold a special open session at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 to review applications and discuss making an appointment.

Wright emphasized that if the person appointed wishes to continue on the board after Klinge's term expires they will have to file for the April election.

Superintendent Craig Noah said the appointee would not be required to take Missouri School Board Association training course because new board members are given a year to do so, and the appointee will serve only six months.

He said if the appointee chooses not to attend training session, the district might be able to provide informal MSBA or in-house orientation.

Board member Kathy Green noted that the current situation is different from that of board member Larry Godsey, who has been deployed overseas with his military unit since late last year.

"People have asked me about Larry," she said. "He is active duty and he didn't want to resign. That's why he hasn't been replaced. He's serving his country."

And he is expected to return before his term expires and continue to serve on the board.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net