This is the text of Dan Weedin’s letter of resignation from the North Kitsap School Board, read at the Oct. 9 school board meeting.

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Dear North Kitsap School Board,

This letter is to advise you that effective immediately, I am tendering my resignation from the school board. This was a difficult decision, yet one that I felt was necessary at this time.

Whenever there is a resignation, it’s important for everyone involved in the organization and the community to be fully apprised of the reasons.

In the past year, the critical work at the volunteer board level has been clouded by forces that, in my opinion, are intentionally adversarial and combative. The consequences have a draining effect on all that are working to make this district a better place for students, teachers and community.

I have come to realize that I could not perform the duties of a director in the same spirit that when I began 5 years ago. In the best interest of the district, my colleagues, and the mission, it’s time to move on and let someone else take that role with full vigor. Life is too short. I’m unwilling to allow this continued negativity to impact my personal and professional life.

I will continue to do volunteer work at the schools. My passion in working with kids is to help them become better readers. I fully support the district’s goal to get to 100% reading capability for all 3rd graders. I will continue to dedicate myself to this community and school district, but in a different way.

My time on the board had many highlights. I was part of a team that found a way to make it through perhaps the most difficult school-financing crisis ever in this state. The hiring of Patty Page was simply the best decision we made as a board. She was the right person for the job then, and continues to be the right person to lead this district into the future. She has the vision, experience, and passion to do great work here. She has assembled a terrific team of administrators who work tirelessly for the benefit of every student in this district. To all district administration, thank you for your dedication and efforts. You’re doing the right things.

To the community at large — thank you for having placed your trust in me. It’s now time for someone else to take that mantle. North Kitsap School District is a great place to send your kids. We often rely on the words of others to guide our opinion on school district business. I appeal to you to get involved, attend meetings and other community forums, so that you can make up your own minds through your own observations.

Finally, to the board — I wish you all the best in your work. It’s highly important. I encourage you to hold each other accountable for words and deeds, and evaluate yourselves by asking tough questions regarding agendas and motivation. It’s been my pleasure to work with you.

Thank you for the opportunity serve this community.

Dan Weedin