The Coupeville School Board will begin the search for a new director following the resignation of board Vice President Glenda Merwine.

Merwine’s fellow board members officially accepted her resignation during a meeting Oct. 24. Merwine said she is retiring for her health and to spend more time with her family.

“I need to take care of myself,” she said, adding that while it is difficult for her to step away, she will continue to attend meetings as a member of the public with her daughter.

Merwine has served on the school board for 10 years.

Board members accepted Merwine’s resignation in a unanimous, yet reluctant, vote, with several directors voicing their wish to retain Merwine on the board longer.

“You’ve been very much a mentor to me as a board member, as well as a colleague back when we were working,” said board President Christie Sears. “We won’t let you go easy.”

Merwine’s resignation will take effect Dec. 1. Applications to fill the vacancy on the board will be open through Nov. 30. Superintendent Steve King laid out a tentative timeline for the process: board members will interview up to five candidates in early December, with plans to swear in a new board member on Dec. 15. Interested candidates may find application paperwork on the school district website.