Citing health reasons, North Colonie Board of Education member David P. Rosenthal issued a letter to the school district announcing that he will leave his position effective Friday, April 4.
Last elected to the board in May 2005, Rosenthal’s resignation closes a 13-year career of service to the students and residents of the district.
It is very hard to give up something that I have loved doing, and [I] will very much miss this important part of my life, he stated in his letter.
`He’s been very active as a board member,` said Assistant Superintendent for Business Thomas Rybaltowski, who called Rosenthal an `omnipresent` figure in the district. `He has a real love for the school district.`
For 24 years, before and during his time as a board member, Rosenthal served in a variety of capacities. He was a member of the Friends of Music, the AIDS Advisory Council, other district committees and parent-teacher associations, and the board of education, on which he served two years as vice president and two years as president.
`David’s contributions and dedication have earned his respect here,` said Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg. `His wonderful interest in our music program earned him great plaudits. He has been interested in every aspect of governance ` he has been supportive of new administrators.`
With Rosenthal’s departure, a vacancy on the board will be open for election.
`The position will be available and open for petition. People can apply to fulfill the unspent portion of his tenure for the May 20 budget vote,` said Rybaltowski. Rosenthal’s term is set to expire on June 30, 2010. Petitions may be found at the board clerk’s office at 91 Fiddlers Lane, and must be filed no later than Monday, April 21.
Members of the nine-person board serve terms of five years. Two additional five-year terms are also on the Tuesday, May 20, ballot. Currently, those seats are held by members Joan Hart and Theresa Joslin. Neither has publicly announced whether they intend to seek reelection.
`I have always tried to balance my responsibilities and vote for what is in the best interests of our students as well as taxpayers and residents of the district,` wrote Rosenthal.
He leaves a legacy of service that has been lauded by his peers. Ehrenberg said that everyone thanks him for his years of commitment and devotion to the district’s wellbeing.
`He is someone who has always been there moving the district forward. We wish him good health and thank him for his time as a board member,` she said.“
