CHAMPAIGN — Sam Banks is the third Champaign Unit 4 school board member to resign this year. All three have mentioned unproductive tensions in the group as a reason for stepping down.
Banks sent his resignation letter Sunday evening, writing it was effective immediately.
“In addition to a challenging personal situation which requires my attention; it has become apparent to me that there is minimal possibility for any success and positive influence or success on impacting the unproductive dynamics between board members and the manner in which the board functions,” Banks wrote.
The other two resignations happened in March, and Banks was appointed in May to fill one of the seats.
Unit 4 Board President Gianina Baker said that the board has 60 days to fill the vacancy, and that the group will determine that process at their next meeting.
“We thank Sam for stepping up to serve on the BOE and for his many years of service to the Champaign community,” Baker said.
In March, some board members repeatedly walked out over disagreements on how to fill the vacancies, pushing the Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education to step in. The office vetted the candidates and chose the two final appointees.
In addition to Banks’ replacement, the next school board election in April will shake up the board’s composition. Three current board members, including the president, are not running for reelection.
According to the Champaign County Clerk website, eleven people are running for seats on the board, including seven running for full terms and four for partial terms to fill in the vacancies and appointments. The only incumbent in the group is Mark Holm, who was appointed alongside Banks in May.