Portsmouth School Committee Member Resigns Day After Election

Portsmouth School Committee member Jonathan H. Harris submitted his resignation on Wednesday morning, only a day after the General Election. 

However, Harris, vice chairman of the school board, says the election was not a factor in his decision. 

"The election outcome was not a factor at all," Harris wrote in an e-mail. "I had decided to resign three months ago once I reached the two-year mark of my service. Doing so after the election allows for an easy transition of another candidate to be appointed rather than be elected.

"Had I resigned prior to the election, I was advised that a special (costly) election would be required. This timing also allows a new person to come in at the same time with newly elected people so they have time to work together."

Portsmouth Patch attempted to call Harris by phone. A message on his phone stated the user was "not accepting calls at this time." 

Harris, a Republican, was elected in 2010 to serve on the board. He says his expanding business is a primary reason for resigning at this time. 

"My business is expanding and I have many demands at the office for my time leaving me little time to spend working on town government," Harris wrote. "My family also wants me home in the evenings and I am looking forward to that.

"I have no regrets, it was tough work. The school system’s financial situation has dramatically improved over the last two years. I wish the newly elected candidates well and I have offered to sit down with them and share what I know with them."

On Tuesday night, four new Democrats were elected to the school committee: Andrew Kelly, Emily Copeland, Terri-Denise Cortvriend and John Wojichowski. The electon of these new members creates a Democrat majority on the board.