GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Green Bay Area Public School District board member Laura Laitinen-Warren has resigned from her position as trustee.
GBAPS said Monday that Laitinen-Warren announced her resignation on Saturday. She was appointed to the Board of Education in March 2021. Laitinen-Warren was elected to her seat for a three-year term in April 2022.
“We wish Laura well in her future endeavors and thank her for her time and dedication to the staff, students and families in Green Bay Area Public Schools” Board President Laura McCoy said in a news release. “Laura has been a strong advocate on behalf of all children and we know that she will continue to serve to effect positive change within our community.”
GBAPS said the board will review the timeline and process during a special meeting March 4 to appoint a new board member through April 2025.
Laitinen-Warren sent her resignation letter to NBC 26:
"Dear President McCoy,
I am writing to formally resign from my position as a Trustee of the Board of Education for the Green Bay Area Public School District, effective immediately. After much consideration, I have determined I need to reallocate my time and energy to areas where I can have a more direct and impactful role in effecting positive change within our community.
I remain deeply committed to the betterment of our educational system which includes supporting our dedicated educators and, most importantly, working to ensure all children have access to a quality education.
I am grateful for the relationships I have gained during my tenure and the support I have received from the Green Bay community. I will continue to be a champion for public education."
Laitinen-Warren is a member of the Oneida Nation and was the Board's only person of color.
On her resignation, Board president Laura McCoy said, in part:
"Laura has been a strong advocate on behalf of all children and we know that she will continue to serve to effect positive change within our community."
I spoke with Laitinen-Warren last week about Dr. Tiller's resignation and his impact on the district.
"That has to continue," Laitinen-Warren said. "Especially as you're going through difficult times to continue to focus on the important things that the kids are doing in our district."
Since his resignation, many in the community have called for Dr. Tiller's reinstatement.
A petition to reinstate Tiller was created last weekend and already has more than 1,100 signatures.
As part of Monday's Board meeting, community leaders spoke at an open forum demanding Dr. Tiller to be reinstated.
Community leaders tell me no matter what happens, they'll continue to advocate for more representation in staffing and administration across the district.
