In the last seconds of the Pleasant Valley School Board’s district meeting Monday night, Vice President Laura Jecker resigned.

The announcement left the room stunned and silent for several moments.

School board President Susan Kresge broke the silence with a surprised utterance of “Ooo,” followed by school board Director Todd Kresge who said, “That was a bombshell.”

Jecker said she is resigning for personal reasons and needs to take care of a few things. She didn’t give any further details.

“You do need to take care of yourself and your family first,” Kresge said. “I thank you for your five years of service and for speaking your mind.”

Jecker was in her second term on the school board, which will close today at midnight. She was re-elected in November 2021.

Jecker said she wanted to resign now in order to give the school board adequate time to find a replacement. The school board has to fill the seat within 30 days in accordance to school board policy. By resigning in early August, the school board should be whole again just as the school year is beginning.

In Jecker’s letter of resignation, she said, “I feel it is important to the board to have a nine-member board to make decisions for our students, staff and taxpayers.”

Jecker said she thinks replacing her can be accomplished within the time frame, because there isn’t anything pressing at this time for the board to also have to handle.

“I have enjoyed my time on the board and value the friendships and relationships I have made. I value the work that comes about with our position. Please keep making PV even better,” she said.

Jecker also thanked the parents for taking an interest in the school district and bringing their concerns to the board.

School board Director Melanie Zipp, who was just elected to the board, thanked Jecker for her help in campaigning.

“I very much appreciate it,” Zipp said.

Superintendent James Konrad also thanked Jecker for her service on the board and that he enjoyed working with her in the short time he has been with the school district.