School Board Member Calls Decision to Stop Campaign 'Heartwrenching'

Parsippany Board of Education member Deborah Orme said she has been moved by the praise and support coming from colleagues and residents in the wake of her decision to end her re-election campaign.

"The kind words of support I've received have been greatly appreciated and it was an extremely difficult, heartwrenching decision for me to withdraw from the 2012 BOE election," she said in a statement. "I have truly treasured the last 6 and a half years that I have served on the Parsippany Board of Education but it is best that I take some time away from service at this point."

Orme told Patch she is not yet ready to discuss the reasons behind her decision to stop her campaign and step away from the board when her term expires after the November election.

She did, however, share thoughts on her tenure in office and her colleagues.

"I have been honored by our community’s confidence and am grateful to have served with some extraordinary, focused, dedicated, knowledgeable and hard working fellow board members, administrators, parents, staff and community members over the years who have readily put education and doing what’s best for the children of Parsippany as their main priority," she said. "I thank them for their dedication, service and for sharing their talents and perspectives with me. Parsippany has a wonderful school district and I am so proud of all our students.

"Providing opportunities for their success and having a positive impact on their educational programs has always been my main goal and I will miss that most of all."

Orme also works for the community through the Lake Parsippany Property Owners' Association, so it is unlkely that she will disappear from the arena of resident service. And she said it is possible that she may consider a run for elective office.

"Depending on the circumstance, I may return to seek election again in the near future," she said.