There were no dry eyes at the Robinson Education Center Wednesday night as USD 383 Board of Education President Doug Messer announced his resignation, effective immediately.
Messer had to pause several times as he read a prepared statement, citing personal, professional and family concerns for the decision to step away from the Manhattan-Ogden board.
“In my professional career, whenever we take on a new volunteer firefighter, we always tell them, that in the order of priorities, it should be themselves and their family first,” Messer, who also serves as Assistant Riley County Fire Chief, said. “Their career, or school, is second. And the things they volunteer for come in a resounding and distant last.”
After thanking teachers, faculty, and staff members in USD 383, Messer praised his fellow board members, calling them the epitome of elected servants.
“They truly do this for nothing more than the willingness to serve the higher purpose of providing the best possible education for our community’s children,” he said. “They serve with no initial or letter behind their name. They don’t do it for a paycheck. That makes them true stewards of the non-partisan election process. That commitment is what makes this decision so hard.”
Full audio of Messer’s statement can be heard above.
Board Vice President Dave Colburn took over as acting president and said Messer had served with distinction, calling him a model board member and praised him for always keeping what’s best for the students at USD 383 at the forefront of his mind.
“On a personal level, we didn’t know each other at all when we first got started,” Colburn said. “And I’ve really come to appreciate what a fine individual you are and hope I can count you as a friend for the rest of my life.”
Colburn briefly explained the procedures that will need to be taken if the board decides to fill the vacancy that was left after Messer resigned. This will be brought back for more in depth discussion at next week’s regular board meeting.
The Board says goodbye to Doug Messer
