Sheila Jakubik has resigned from the Bainbridge Island School Board.

But she may not be stepping entirely away from Bainbridge schools.

Jakubik, the president of the board in recent years, submitted a letter of resignation Monday, with an effective date of Tuesday, April 16.

In the letter, she said was quitting because of job opportunities, and wanted to make sure there was not a conflict of interest if she sought work in the Bainbridge Island School District.

“As my kids are entering the college years, I have been reflecting with my family for the right time to pursue professional opportunities. Because most educational opportunities are posted in the spring and to allow me to follow my passion for education and desire to serve in schools, it became apparent this was the most appropriate time to resign,” Jakubik said in her resignation letter.

“In order to make sure there is no conflict of interest, I believe it is important to resign before I apply for any positions posted in the district,” she added.

Jakubik said she was stepping down “with a heavy heart.”

“Not only has serving on the school board been one of the most personally rewarding experiences, but it has also been an incredible honor and privilege,” she wrote. “Some of the highlights during my time on the board have been facilitating the search for and hiring a new superintendent; passing the bond to replace Blakely [Elementary] and the BHS 100 Building including a new performing arts center; and supporting raising salaries for our district employees while maintaining robust class offerings. I will miss serving on the board and working with my colleagues to make our community stronger through strong schools.”

Jakubik was first elected to the school board in the District 5 position in November 2013.

She was elected to another four-year term in November 2017.

Jakubik has worked as a preschool director at Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge and has also been a special education teacher at Woodward Middle School and Bothell High School. She has a master’s degree in teaching from Whitworth University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington.

She has also served as president and treasurer of the Bainbridge Island Parent Teacher Organization Coordinating Council and has volunteered for other school groups on the island.

District officials said Jakubik’s impact on Bainbridge public schools has been substantial.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Sheila over these past six years,” said District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen.

“Her student-centric mindset, inquisitiveness and welcoming personality will be greatly missed,” Bang-Knudsen added.

District officials said a new school board member will be appointed to fill the vacant position on the board.

Applications will be accepted starting Friday, April 26. The deadline for applications is Monday, May 13.

Candidate interviews will be conducted by the school board during a special session Tuesday, May 21, and officials expect to swear in the new board member Thursday, May 30.

The person selected for the board will serve out the remainder of Jakubik’s term, which is set to expire December 2021.