By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MASON - Board member Russ Carter said Wednesday that leaving the Mason Board of Education was a difficult decision, but he felt he no longer had the time to commit to the position.

Mr. Carter, a lifelong resident and Mason High graduate, said he is searching for a new job after the software company he worked for made job cutbacks. He was not at Tuesday night's meeting when the board accepted his resignation letter.

"I found it increasingly difficult to take care of my job concerns and my duties on the school board," Mr. Carter said in an interview. "I thought it was in the best interest of the board to step down and let them find someone who had the time to commit. ... By no means am I leaving on any ill will or bad terms."

The letter - dated Oct. 8, the date of his last board meeting - was given to the district this week.

Mr. Carter has been on the school board since 1992, and served as board president from 1996-1998. He was re-elected in 1999 to serve a 2000-2003 term.

"He really left his mark, and he will be missed," said Superintendent Kevin Bright. "We have big shoes to fill."

State law mandates that the board appoint a new member within 30 days.

The district will accept applications until Nov. 1, and should start interviewing the first week in November.

Board members said Mr. Carter played a major role in teacher negotiations, mainly by strengthening the relationship with the Mason Education Association.

"I learned a lot from him, both behind the scenes and in front of the scenes," board vice president Eric Kantor said.

During Mr. Carter's service, three schools were built - Mason Middle School, Mason Intermediate and, opening this year, Mason High School - and six bond issues and operating levies were passed.

"The greatest asset we have is a tremendous administration and a tremendous teaching staff, and we continue to build on that," Mr. Carter said. "Of all the things we've done, (that's what) I'm most proud of."

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com