By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Dr. Melanie Shores, the president of the Alabaster Board of Education, stepped down from the board on March 14.

In an email to Alabaster officials, school administrators and fellow members of the School Board, Shores cited health concerns as her reason for resigning immediately from the board.

“Due to recent health issues, together with unforeseen circumstances, I feel that it is in the best interest of my health and my family that I no longer continue on this journey,” Shores wrote. “It saddens me to leave something that I am so passionate about. This is certainly not an easy decision for me.”

In a statement released on March 14, Alabaster City Manager George Henry said the Alabaster City Council is “working diligently to fulfill the current vacancy, and will continue to support the Alabaster Board of Education as they move forward.”

“The City of Alabaster would like to thank Dr. Shores for her service on the Alabaster Board of Education,” read the statement. “Under Dr. Shores’ leadership, the Board has been able to make strategic decisions that we are confident will result in a successful school system.”

Shores, a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was appointed as one of the School Board’s inaugural members in 2012. Her term was scheduled to end in June 2015.

In the email, Shores thanked the Alabaster officials for appointing her to the city’s first school board, and wrote she will continue to support the school board in the future.

“I look forward to cheering you on from the sidelines and working to support teachers and schools as a parent within the Alabaster system,” Shores wrote.

In a statement, Alabaster Interim School Superintendent Dr. Phillip Hammonds commended Shores for her service.

“Dr. Shores provided the system with invaluable leadership at a critical time

in its history,” Hammonds wrote. “She will continue to be a special part of the public education family in Alabaster for many years to come.”

The School Board will honor Shores during a March 18 special-called meeting at the Alabaster Senior Center beginning at 5 p.m.

The City Council currently is accepting applications for the School Board vacancy at Cityofalabaster.com/residents/alabaster-city-schools-info/city-of-alabaster-school-board-application.

Ward 1 City Councilwoman Sophie Martin said after the city gathers the applications, the council’s Education Committee will review the applicants before narrowing the pool and scheduling interviews with the top candidates.

After interviewing the candidates, the council will announce its selection.