Garfield Re-2 School Board President Britton Fletchall has resigned after nearly four years of service, submitting his letter of resignation Thursday, according to a release from the Garfield Re-2 School District. The resignation is effective immediately.

Fletchall, who represented Director District A since 2021, cited the growth of his business and increased travel as the reason for stepping away from the board. He had attended the last five consecutive board meetings remotely — on March 12, April 9, April 23, May 14 and May 28 — and had not been physically present at a meeting since February.

“After much consideration, I am submitting my resignation from the Garfield Re-2 School Board, effective immediately,” Fletchall said in the release. “It has been a privilege and honor to serve this district and represent our community.”

Fletchall assumed the role of board president during a mid-year reorganization on Dec. 13, 2023.

“Serving has never been a burden, but a true motivator,” Fletchall said in the release. “While I value the ability to participate remotely, I believe this level of board service is most effective when done in person.”

According to Garfield Re-2 board policy, members may attend a maximum of two board meetings per calendar year by electronic means — such as video or phone conferencing — and must disclose their location, who is present with them, and the reason for appearing remotely. After the second virtual meeting, additional remote attendance must be formally excused by the board. Records indicate no such action was taken to excuse Fletchall’s recent absences, and no public disclosure was made during his virtual appearances.

Fletchall did not attend Rifle or Coal Ridge High School graduations in May. The board also did not convene its scheduled meeting on June 11.

In his resignation letter, Fletchall expressed support for the district’s leadership and direction moving forward.

“I leave my seat during a transition period with confidence in our leadership team, in the board’s ability to navigate differing views constructively, and in the continued execution of our strategic plan,” Fletchall said in the release. “Garfield Re-2 is in capable hands with Superintendent Banghart, Assistant Superintendent Nipper, and a staff of committed professionals.”

Current Superintendent Heather Grumley, who is set to retire on June 26, praised Fletchall’s leadership, saying he brought “integrity, intention and heart to every conversation and every challenge.”

“Britton has led Garfield Re-2 with consistency,” Grumley said. “He never wavered from his commitment to our strategic plan and to making a real difference in this community. His presence and perspective will be deeply missed.”

Fletchall was unavailable for an interview with the Post Independent but said he was busy when reached briefly by phone.

The Garfield Re-2 School Board is scheduled to consider a resolution declaring a vacancy in the District A seat during its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 25. The resolution will outline the timeline and process for appointing a new board member. Under board policy, the vacancy must be filled within 60 days.