For Immediate
Release
For more information contact: |
May 27,
2008
Jay Dillon
(770) 426-3345 |
Dr. Teresa Plenge Letter
of Resignation
Mrs. Gray, Mr. Sanderson, my fellow Board Members:
As most of you know, I have an undying passion for public
education. I have a special love for Cobb County and for
serving the children of Cobb County. My Post 7 constituents
are deserving of high quality representation from any
individual they elect to serve them.
As most of you also know, I have a life-long physical
disability called Scoliosis. This permanent disability has
recently been joined by two new permanent and painful
disabilities known as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc
disease of the spine.
I had hoped to continue my service on the Cobb County Board
of Education until the end of my term in December 2008.
However, due to my health issues, I am unable to provide the
high quality representation my Post 7 constituents deserve.
Having them "make do" with less than my best is something I
cannot, in good conscience, continue to do.
In addition, while attempting to meet the physical demands
of this job, I am causing significant additional harm to my
health.
Due to serious health issues that make it impossible for me
to fulfill my official duties as an elected member of the
Cobb County Board of Education for Post 7, I hereby submit
my resignation with an effective date of Friday, June
13,2008.
I request that the Board accept this resignation today, and
that the School District take appropriate steps to notify
and work with the Cobb County Board of Elections as the
special election is called and conducted.
Twelve years may seem like a long time to serve as a school
board member to many people. To me the years flew by.
Students who were in kindergarten in 1996 when I first ran
for election are now graduating seniors.
When I first took office in 1997, I had a long list of
things I wanted to accomplish for my schools and my
constituents. I was naive and thought I could accomplish
that list in a single 4 year term. It actually took 10 years
to see that list to completion.
My only question is to Mr. Sanderson. Why couldn't you have
applied for the superintendent position years earlier than
you did? I could have resigned so much sooner!
The last 12 years has been a fabulous learning journey for
me. I can't begin to start naming all the people I've come
to know and appreciate for all the things they do to provide
equal opportunities to learn for all students in Cobb County
while being excellent stewards of the taxpayer's money. You
are all under-appreciated and overly criticized, yet you
stay focused on the two things that matters: 1) our children
who are the future of our nation, 2) the huge role of public
education as a key foundation to our free society.
I resigned from my position as school board member knowing
that I was leaving my schools and my constituents in very
capable hands. God Bless you all!
Dr. Teresa Plenge
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