KANE — The Kane Area School Board accepted the resignation of long-time school director Dick Coleman on Thursday. His resignation takes effect today.

Coleman cited medical reasons for his resignation.

As school director Sue Grolemund announced to the school board they had received Coleman’s letter of resignation, a tinge of emotion could be detected in her voice. A PowerPoint slide was displayed on a screen situated above the school board seats on the stage of the middle school auditorium detailing various pictures and newspaper clippings of Coleman.

Superintendent Bob Gaetano noted several of the items on the slide, mentioning he wore No. 35 on his football jersey when he played for the Wolves while in high school. Included on the slide was a newspaper article from 1994 from when the former newspaper editor was first appointed to the Kane school board.

Grolemund, who worked for Coleman at the newspaper after she first graduated from high school and then again later as a teacher in the district, referred to him as both a friend and a colleague, and thanked Coleman for his 23 years of service to the Kane Area School District.

Grolemund added Coleman’s happy talent for knowing the correct questions to ask, and making sure he has a full understanding of a situation before weighing in with an answer.

School board president Claire Ann Buckley, another former district employee, also thanked Coleman for all the years he has given the district, and the invaluable advice given the directors. Buckley said she understands the reasoning given for the retirement, but she is nevertheless sad to see Coleman go.

Director Linda A. Anderson said it was “a pleasure working on the board” with Coleman.

Director Maj. Tom Kerek recalled first meeting Coleman after Kerek was appointed in 2014. Kerek said he was impressed with Coleman’s “steady and compassionate view” of the students, the staff and the district on the whole.

Coleman said he has enjoyed his 23 years of service on the board of the Kane Area School District.

The school district will accept letters of intent for those interested in filling Coleman’s vacancy up to May 5. Those who get their letters in before April 25 may have the opportunity to be interviewed by the school board at its work session on April 28.

In other news, the school board approved the creation of a middle school co-ed soccer team on a one year trial basis. The soccer team will come at no cost to the school district.

The motion passed 7 to 2, with Buckley and board vice president Keith Hastings voting against. Hastings described a one year trial period as a “band aid,” as the issue will have to be revisited again after the one year trial.

“If you’re going to start a program,” Hastings said, “then start a program.”

Former school board president Stephanie Eckstrom cautioned the school board against the move prior to the vote. Eckstrom said “we can’t afford it,” noting the school district will eventually start footing the bill for the team.

“I am concerned that it will become a new program that the district will be paying for, without being fairly vetted.”

Eckstrom also pointed out the district would be “enhancing an opportunity the students already have.” She believes future resources for a soccer team would be better used extending opportunities to disadvantaged students.

Kane Area Soccer Association coach Sandy Mishic thanked the school board for its support of the middle school soccer team, and said, “we won’t let you down.”

Meanwhile, the district also recognized the District 9 Class AA champion varsity basketball team. A video of the team and fans at the district tournament at Clarion University was shown at the meeting.

Coach Matt Gasbarre thanked the school board for inviting the team to the meeting. Gasbarre said the season had its ups and downs, but the Wolves pulled away from the pack as the season was wrapping up, winning six of its last seven games going into the district tournament. He said the team represented Kane “with the best of their abilities on and off the court.”

Gaetano noted the championship team is the result “of many years of hard work,” and not just one. He noted the team went from winning three games last year to district champs this year.

The next school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. May 5.