Stephen Barna submitted a letter of resignation to Board of Education President Thomas K. Belding Friday afternoon.

"We are very, very sorry to see him needing to leave the board. He's been a great member of the board, a former president and he's sat on virtually all board committees," Belding said.

Barna confirmed the resignation.

Belding said Barna was resigning "because of some other opportunities that have presented themselves."

The resignation creates a vacancy for a resident of Chatham Borough to sit on the Board of Education until Barna's term expires in April, according to Business Administrator Peter Daquila.

"It’s been a great experience and I feel bad leaving a little bit short," Barna said. "I was still on the fence about running in April, [because] you start to think, maybe there are some other parents who might benefit from the experience."

Barna began his time on the board as an interim member, replacing a former member. He was then elected to two three-year terms representing the borough on the Board of Education.

Anyone interested should submit a Letter of Interest and a Statement of Qualifications to the School District of the Chathams.

Belding said candidates will be interviewed by the remaining board members from Chatham Borough: himself, Board Vice President Jill Weber and Richard Connors.

"We don't have a deadline yet, but anyone who is interested should send in their information as soon as possible," Belding said.

Barna's resignation from his third term on the Board of Education is effective as of Friday, Sept. 14.

"He's been very generous with his time and we'll all miss him," Belding said.

In his time on the Board, Barna served as both vice president and president. The board will recognize Barna's contributions at an upcoming board meeting, when Barna is expected to read a personal statement on his resignation.

Barna works as a associate director at Verizon Wireless.

The board next meets on Monday, Sept. 24.