Batesville School Board President Chris Lowery announced at Monday’s meeting that he will resign from the board. The decision follows his selection as chancellor of Ivy Tech’s combined Southeast region effective August 18.
Lowery noted it was a difficult decision saying he felt a resignation was ethically right. The tenured school board president also departed from Hillenbrand, Inc. last week, where he worked for 19 years.
“I have been associated with some great people and organizations,” Lowery said. “But I have never been associated with a finer organization than those of you involved in the school corporation.”
Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts said, “We thank you very much for everything you’ve given this organization. Ivy Tech has certainly chosen a winner. I do not know anyone else in the state that could fit the role better than [Lowery]”
Lowery said he will submit an official resignation to the Ripley County Clerk in the coming weeks. The four remaining school board members will be tasked with selecting a replacement within thirty days of the official resignation.
An eligible candidate must reside in the Batesville city limits. The term expires on December 31, 2016.
Candidates can submit a resume and letter of intent to the Batesville Community School Corporation Administration Building. School officials say applications are due August 8.
After a replacement is named one of five members will be tabbed as the school board president. Currently, Dr. Steve Stein serves as vice president and Wanita Linkel is the board secretary. Ray Call and Cindy Blessing are members of the school board.
