Chairwoman Cynthia Perrotti is stepping down from the School Committee for "personal reasons," she announced at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. 

The announcement was released in the meeting highlights Wednesday. According to the report, Perrotti's resignation will go into effect on May 15. 

In a very thoughtful and heartfelt speech, Mrs. Perrotti shared with her fellow School Committee members and members of the community her intentions to resign from the School Committee effective May 15, 2012, for personal reasons. In her remarks, she expressed her appreciation to School Committee members, administrators, staff, and the community for their work and support. Mrs. Perrotti thanked the community for electing her to the School Committee as well as thanked members of the School Committee for electing her to serve as School Committee Chair. Mrs. Perrotti received a standing ovation by the audience. 

Perrotti was elected to the School Committee in 2010, but served in an appointed position on the board for a year prior. 

Prior to being elected to the school board, Perrotti worked in program management for 17 years of her 20-year U.S. Air Force military career. Her last three years of active duty were as a professor at the Naval War College, teaching the future leaders of the U.S. and international militaries.

Upon retirement, Perrotti set up an educational services company and contracts with the Naval War College as an online professor.