David Tillman sent his letter of “formal resignation” as a member of the Hennessey Public Schools Board of Education in an email to Superintendent Jason Sternberger Saturday, Jan. 6.

“I feel at this time I am in a place in my life to (not) be able to give the students and faculty the attention needed,” Tillman wrote. “After talking with my family, I feel that resigning is what is best for myself and my family at this moment.”

Tillman also wrote: “I truly love the Administration, Faculty, and Students of this district and want them (to) have someone that can put their focus on making the best decisions for all.”

Tillman did not attend the board’s Monday, Jan. 8, meeting that had a short agenda and lasted only 12 minutes.

Resignation Not on Agenda

Sternberger announced Tillman’s resignation at the meeting and mentioned he’d emailed copies of the resignation to the board members.

He also asked for action on the resignation under a “new business” item that didn’t list any topics.

The resignation could only be voted on that night under that topic because the State Open Meeting Law exempts the vote only when topics were not known about when the agenda is posted.

The board’s agenda was posted Friday, Jan. 5, the day before Tillman’s email to the superintendent.

Thanks for Service

Before Tillman’s resignation was unanimously accepted, Board President Luke Lough said he understood Tillman’s “need to take care of himself” and thanked and “appreciated his work on the board for almost three years.”

Tillman had no opposition in his bid for the board in December 2020, took his board seat in April 2021 and served as board clerk last year.

He was also a champion of the school’s track, softball and ag programs.

Board May Appoint New Member

During the meeting, Sternberger explained that the board has 60 days to appoint a new board member.

He said if the board doesn’t appoint Tillman’s replacement at the February regular meeting, members would need to call for a special meeting before the March regular meeting since that would be beyond the 60-day limit.

Facilities Report

Pouring concrete at the bus barn was to start Monday, but didn’t due to weather, the superintendent told the board. They’d wanted to schedule it later this week, but that’s probably out, too, he said.

Plans are 90% complete on the parking lot project on the east side of Mitchell Road and no estimate on the cost is available, then they will go out for bids and the work wouldn’t start until school is out.

At the Meeting

In addition to Lough, the other three board members were also present at this month’s meeting: Vice President Patrick Griffin, Clerk Dr. James Matthew Matousek and Amy Charmasson.

Besides the superintendent, other staff at the meeting were Office Manager Timberly Jech, who also took minutes, and principals Josh Faulkner (high school), Barry Crosswhite (elementary) and Stacey Mack (early childhood).