Kelly Branigan will step down after 12 years on the board and Betsy Del Giacco Jay after six years.

Over the course of her four terms, Branigan served for a time as president and on every committee the board has.

"It’s been a fantastic experience," Branigan said Tuesday. "I’ve enjoyed my time on the board immensely."

She said she was not running primarily because her kids have graduated from the district and because it was time for new folks to have the opportunity to serve. She said if no one had stepped forward to run, she gladly would have had her name put on the ballot.

Branigan said she’ll miss working with the board and superintendent Mary Jo McPhail. Branigan served on the board that chose to hire McPhail, which she said was "one of the best decisions we ever made."

She commended her fellow board members for their hard work at a generally thankless job.

"They don’t get enough credit for what they do," she said.

Jay said she enjoyed her time on the board and will miss the collegiality and seeing students develop and grow.

"I’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people and see the school district make some tremendous improvements in the education of children," she said.

Both Jay and Branigan cited financial challenges and increasing numbers of unfunded state and federal mandates as the most difficult things facing the district and board moving forward.

"It’s the same as when I started," Jay said. "How do you balance those financial issues with meeting the needs of the students?"

McPhail commended the two for their service over the years.

"We will very much miss them on the board. They both contributed significantly and always, always put the best interests of students first and foremost," McPhail said.

District clerk Darlene Bennett said three people submitted petitions for the two open spots.

They are Paula Greene, Mary Leonard and Matthew Tabor.