BOURBON - Dave Shively, Etna Green Township representative on the Triton School Board, announced this week he plans to resign his seat on the board, effective June 30.

Shively said a recent increase in his work responsibilities as a national sales manager contributed to his decision to resign from the board. He said the amount of traveling he does for work is taking away from his ability to perform his duties as a board member.

"My time on the road has increased," Shively said. "I'm out about eight to 10 nights a month. I don't feel I'm attending enough school functions to stay in touch with what's going on in the schools. That's the main reason."

Keeping in touch with the schools and the community are aspects of the school board's job which, Shively said, are important. Shively said his work schedule no longer allows him the time he believes is necessary to do a good job.

"I feel that it takes a time demand I don't feel I'm able to give it," he said.

Shively served nine years on the school board. He began his first term on the board to fill in for former board member Bob Huffman after Huffman resigned. Shively said he has a year and a half left on his current term.

Triton Schools Superintendent Ted Chittum said a replacement for Shively must be approved by the remaining four board members before July 1. Chittum said only Etna Green Township residents are eligible to fill Shively's position. Chittum said those interested must send a written notice of interest to board president Steve Blackford at the Triton Administration Office, 100 Triton Drive. According to Chittum, the new board member must be chosen by a majority vote from the four board members. Shively's replacement will serve out the time remaining in his term. Shively's seat will be up for election in November 2006.

Shively said his time on the board had its ups and downs. In recent years, the board has faced the resignation of high school principal Richard Dehne amid allegations of improper conduct; a controversial school building plan, which the school board dropped after an opposing remonstrance was threatened; and, most recently, the suspension and subsequent resignation of Triton Varsity Basketball coach Mike McBride, following allegations from some players and parents that McBride was verbally abusive to players.

Shively said he believes facing some of these situations has taken a toll on his personal life.

"I think I've hurt some relationships with some good friends," he said. "I still think I've made the right decisions for the community and the students, but it's like being a referee sometimes. I'm a positive person and I want everything to remain positive for the students. I think if we can't really look for how we can help these kids be successful in what they do, we're not doing our job. Some of these things cost money sometimes."

Shively said he is proud of some of the positive changes the board was able to accomplish during his term. He said he thinks the board has approved some excellent teachers during his watch.

"Over the years I feel we've accumulated a good staff," he said.

Shively said he believes hiring good staff is an important step to providing quality education to the district's students.

Shively also said he believes the Reading First initiative has shown signs of success. The program began two years ago to bring Triton Elementary School up to federal and state standards in reading achievement.

"I can see benefits already starting to happen," Shively said.

Shively said another success has been unity among board members.

"We all had the same goals in mind, which is 'Students first,'" he said.

Shively said he is confident the board can continue making progress after he steps down.

"I'm a positive person and I want everything to remain positive for the students. I would like to thank the community for the chance to serve," Shively said. [[In-content Ad]]