The Reading Post has obtained Sherri VandenAkker’s Resignation letter from the School Committee. VandenAkker was appointed to the committee in December 2017 following the resignation of Gary Nihan. VandenAkker was subsequently elected to the committee at the April 2018 local election for a three-year term.
The Town Charter grants a joint meeting of the School Committee and the Select board the ability to fill the vacancy until the April 2019 election. The vacated two-year seat would open at the upcoming election. The last day to receive nomination papers at Town Hall is February 10 and the papers must be returned by February 12 in order for a candidate to be included on the ballot.
Dear Members of the Reading Public Schools Community and School Committee:
With regret, I am submitting my resignation from the School Committee, effective immediately.
As many of you know, I had to step away from the School Committee in early October, following my father’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Although he has now passed, I have a long journey ahead of me as I work through this shattering experience. Our students and educators – and, of course, my fellow School Committee members — deserve someone who can be fully present in the role, and I cannot be for the foreseeable future.
I apologize to the RPS community and my fellow committee members for the inconvenience my resignation will cause. Thank you for your many messages of care and support.
Sincerely,
Sherri L. VandenAkker
