BOE President to Step Down From Leadership Post

Manchester Board of Education President Mary Walter has decided that she will step down from the post that she has held for 10 years when the body reorganizes at its post-election meeting next month.

"I just feel like its time for another person to do it," she said following the April 13 board meeting. "It's time for a change. Someone will do an equal or better job and they'll have their own way to do it."

Walter does hope to remain on the board. Along with fellow member and newcomer , is seeking one of three available seats.

The election, which includes a vote on the , is April 27.

In an address to the board, Walter said that her 15 years of service on Manchester's school board "has been a genuine pleasure.

"I have been working with such outstanding people that I will remember my membership with them to be one of the best experiences of my life," she said.

Walter thanked the administration and her colleagues for their efforts and support.

"In other towns, you might see boards so busy arguing with each other that they accomplish nothing positive," she said. "There might be some chairs thrown. You will not see such things in Manchester."

Superintendent David Trethaway thanked Walter for her service as president and said that she has done "an outstanding job.

"This board acts very professionally, and she keeps them focused, which is not always easy to do," he said. "There are a lot of different ways to go."

The board will reorganize during its May 11 meeting at Ridgeway Elementary School.