CARTHAGE — Carthage Central School District board member Michael P. Chevier sent in his resignation letter, effective Sept. 13.

Board President Barbara A. Lofink said she will read his letter at Monday’s board meeting at Carthage High School’s senior cafeteria. The board also will vote on Brian K. Serota’s appointment to take his place.

Mr. Serota took Terry E. Freeman’s place temporarily last year when Mr. Freeman resigned because of ethical differences with the board.

Mr. Chevier is leaving for health reasons. In a phone interview, he cited heart issues and a need to reduce his stress level as the reasons he is leaving.

“The doctor told me a long time ago that I need to reduce the stress level in my life,” he said. “I’ve got two grandchildren and I want to live a long life.”

He did not want to resign while he was board president and said now is the perfect time to leave because the district has “more capable leadership.”

“I should have done it a long time ago,” he said.

He led the board from September 2009 until this July, during a tumultuous period for the district.

He succeeded former President John E. Peck. Mr. Chevier has served on the board since 2008.

“Mike was the Fort Drum affiliate for the board,” Mrs. Lofink said. “I want to make sure there is a Fort Drum connection on the board.”

Mrs. Lofink said Mr. Serota, who settled in Black River after retiring from the Army in 2010 after 20 years’ service, would be a good replacement because he already has been through board training.

He would have to run for office in May to be appointed as an official member. Mr. Serota was in second place after board member Kent D. Burto when the election results in May were counted.

In addition, Mrs. Lofink said, it would save taxpayer dollars not to spend money on letters advertising the position and help the board hit the ground running at the next meeting.

“It’s not a big secret,” she said. “I just wanted to be frugal. If anyone feels different, we would do the special election or do something different.”

Superintendent Peter D. Turner and Mr. Burto will be absent from Monday’s meeting to attend a conference in Washington, D.C.

The board member resignation and appointment can be found on next meeting’s agenda.

“I wanted to be transparent, and I want everyone to know my thought process,” Mrs. Lofink said.

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