Hays USD 489 announced in a news release today that Darren Schumacher has resigned from the Board of Education.

In a letter submitted to the board and shared with the staff of USD 489, Schumacher stated the reason for his resignation was due to being relocated for his job. Schumacher previously was general manager of Carlos O’Kelly’s, which closed recently.

I would like to thank the voters of USD 489 for giving me the high honor of representing you the past six years. To the teachers, staff, administrators and fellow board members,
thank you for being the professionals that you are,” Schumacher wrote in his letter of resignation. “While we did not agree on every issue, I believe we always put the needs of the students first.”

Schumacher has served on the board since July 2007. He served as vice president of the board in 2011-12 and 2013-14 and president during the 2012-13 year.

“It will be very difficult to replace Darren’s leadership and experience on this board. Darren has made a significant sacrifice of his time and talents to USD 489. Darren has always looked out for the best interests of USD 489 students, parents, staff and administrators during his nearly seven years on this board,” said Greg Schwartz, board president. “He is the second longest serving board member and that experience and leadership will be missed. We wish Darren and his family the best in their new city, and that city will be in much better hands with his family in it.”

The USD 489 school board will have to accept Schumacher’s resignation and adopt a resolution to post the board vacancy notice. Once the notice is posted, there will be a 15-day period to apply for the open seat.

Schumacher said Monday he was unable to comment at this point on where he would be relocating.