Sarah Setzer [Order this photo]

EUREKA SPRINGS -- After 12 years as a school board member, and serving several as secretary, Sarah Setzer resigned her position Thursday at a special Eureka Springs School Board meeting, effective immediately.

"And now for the most unpleasant item on the agenda," said Superintendent Wayne Carr, as he proceeded to read her letter of resignation.

Setzer said she has received several job offers in Little Rock and will be relocating there.

Setzer has in the past described herself as a "bleeding heart" and has been known to disagree with fellow board members at times, voting to give students considered for suspension or expulsion another chance.

Setzer's letter also included a check for $1,300 to the school district, with instructions for it to be used wherever the district sees the need.

Her term has one year left; the board will need to appoint a replacement.

In other special meeting business, the board:

* Approved the lower of two bids for sandwich bread, awarding it to Interstate Brands.

* Approved an election resolution not to have open polling sites for the school board election, as there are no contenders for the three open seats. Each seat requires one vote to pass. Those who wish to vote may do so at the courthouse.

* Approved the hiring of Bethany Jeppsen as a high school English teacher.

* Denied a request for a student transfer from the Huntsville School District, on recommendation of Carr.