HOULTON, Maine — Houlton will soon be short one member on the RSU 29 school board following the resignation of Cynthia Hillman-Forbush.
Hillman-Forbush submitted her letter of resignation from the board Monday evening, but it does not take effect until May 16. Hillman-Forbush was not in attendance for Monday’s meeting and has been unable to attend several meetings over the past few months.
“Prior commitments both national and international have become too great for me to be able to fulfill the requirements of my position on the board,” she wrote in her resignation letter. “I feel it’s best for me to make room for someone who has the time and energy to devote to the job. It has been a privilege to serve the board.”
Hillman-Forbush has more than 30 years of educational experience and has been dedicated to the specialization of elementary and middle school mathematics. She is a certified mathematics specialist and president of Hillman-Forbush Associates, a private mathematics consulting business, which often requires coast-to-coast travel across the United States. Her other career experiences have included special education instruction, kindergarten through grade-five instruction, eighth grade mathematics instruction, and executing the role of adjunct professor at the University of Maine, Houlton Center.
Her term on the school board expires in November. The Houlton Town Council will be charged with filling the seat for the remainder of her term. The council can choose whomever it wishes to fill the spot. According to Cathy O’Leary, town clerk, the position will be advertised and the council would likely select a candidate at either the May 12 or May 26 meeting.
Hillman-Forbush has served on the RSU 29 school board since Dec. 3, 2001.
During Monday’s school board meeting, the board was also presented with a new policy regarding absenteeism of board members.
The revised policy states if board members have two consecutive, non-reported, absences or three consecutive reported absences, they will be advised that any subsequent absence may result in possible forfeiture of their seat.
The board will have the option to meet in executive session to discuss declaring a vacancy before making a final vote in open session.
