There will be an empty seat on the Prince Rupert School District board of education until November's municipal election following the resignation of trustee Marty Bowles.
Cam McIntyre, secretary-treasurer of School District 52, received Bowles' resignation earlier this month and advised the board of his decision at a school board meeting held Tuesday. Bowles' withdrawal is irrevocable under the School Act.
Prior to his resignation, Bowles had requested an unpaid leave of absence from the board that started in October, 2013. According to McIntyre, Bowles did not provide a reason for stepping down from his position.
Trustee Terri-Lynn Huddlestone made a motion to hold the seventh seat vacant instead of holding a byelection, stating it would be a costly endeavour with only a matter of months until the next municipal election.
"I acknowledge being down a trustee is difficult thing but ... looking at our budget and what's in the best interest of our community at this time, I think a byelection is very costly to consider. In just a number of months there will be a formal election; I don't think it's a detriment to our district at this time," Huddlestone said.
Trustee Louisa Sanchez was concerned about board members tying on important decisions, and was assured by board chair Tina Last if a vote is deadlocked the motion is automatically defeated.
All members of Prince Rupert's board of education supported the motion against holding a byelection, aside from Sanchez who was opposed.
Bowles did not immediately return requests for comment from the Northern View.