Joanne Peak was hoping a handwritten statement she had prepared would help her get through her announced resignation from the Board of Education on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, Peak said she left the statement at home.

&#8220This is why I had everything written down,” Peak said, fighting back tears as she told her fellow board members she would resign effective May 31. Peak, District 5 representative, and her husband Jerry are moving to Troy.

&#8220It has been a pleasure to serve with you,” she said. &#8220I'm proud of the things we've accomplished as a board. I believe we made a very wise decision when we hired Mr. (Mike) Looney as our superintendent and I'm proud of the strategic plan we developed together.”

Looney said the Board of Education has 30 days from the date of Peak's official resignation to find a replacement. If the board fails to do so, Looney said the State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton would appoint someone to serve the remainder of Peak's term.

Peak was elected in June 2002. Board of Education members serve six-year terms.

Looney said Peak would be &#8220sorely missed.” Board member Linda Cook-Hamilton said Peak's experience with issues in the classroom as a former educator would be a &#8220great loss” for the board.

The board met on Thursday to announce the purchase of 62 acres of land to for a new school in Georgiana. Peak, who represents the small town, said leaving the board now was especially hard to do.

&#8220Now we've started all this construction and this is the part I didn't want to walk out on,” she said.

Looney said anyone in District 5 interested in serving on the board should contact board president Billy Jones at 376-2373 or by email: billy.jones@butlerco.k12.al.us.