A Knoxville School Board member elected last November has submitted her resignation less than one year into her first term. Susan Swartzendruber is leaving the board, effective immediately, according to a letter published in this Monday’s meeting agenda.

“I wish to thank the voters of Knoxville for allowing me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. And I want to encourage others to keep trying the ‘new things’, bravery often will surprise you.

There are no ill feelings towards any person on the Board or in a position of leadership and I wish everyone the best as they move forward and seek to fill my open Board position over the next month. I only ask that as a Board, you keep the students, staff and community in mind as you move forward.”

The remaining board will vote on an action item to accept the resignation at Monday’s meeting. Additionally, they will then consider approval of a notice of a board vacancy, which they will move to fill by application and selection unless the electors living in the Knoxville School District file a petition within 14 days of May 13th for a special election. Whoever is selected or elected would fill the remaining term through November 2025.