School Zone

Vivian O. Evans submitted her resignation from the Buffalo Board of Education tonight, effective Jan. 5.

The East District representative, who has been living in Maryland since the end of July, did not make it to the board meeting. She asked fellow board member Florence Johnson to read her letter of resignation to the board. This is what Evans wrote:

"Dear Mr. Hernandez and Fellow Board Members:

"The purpose of my correspondence to you is to notify you that I am resigning my seat on the City of Buffalo's Board of Education effective Wednesday January 5, 2010 [sic]. While I regret that I will not complete the term to which I was elected by the voters of the East district, I have enjoyed serving my constituents and working on behalf of all of the students in the Buffalo Public Schools.

"I hope that the Board will act quickly after the date of my resignation to fill the East District seat, and that all Board members will focus on what is most important -- providing the very best education for all of the students in the Buffalo Public Schools. Thank you."

Well, it seems that the district's cell phone records have helped answer the question: Where in the world is Vivian Evans?

The next question is: Who in the world will replace Vivian Evans? (In the sense of filling the East District seat, that is, not in the sense of moving 400 miles away while serving on the Board of Ed.)

The board now has 30 days from the date of her resignation to find a replacement. Any East District resident who's interested in serving the remaining two and a half years of her term should send a resume to James Kane, chief of staff, at 801 City Hall. Applications must be received by noon on Jan. 7. The board will interview applicants before making a decision.

To be eligible, an individual must: be a citizen; be a qualified voter; never have been convicted of a felony; have lived in the City of Buffalo for three years; and have lived in the East District for at least one year prior to appointment.

- Mary Pasciak