Bill Niemi is stepping down from his positions on the Ashtabula Area City Schools Board and the A-Tech Board of Education.
According to a notice from AACS, Niemi’s resignation is effective May 19.
Niemi said he and his wife are moving to a house in Perry.
“We made the decision over the last few months,” he said.
Niemi and his wife want to be closer to their children, who live in Lake County, he said.
They decided to sell their home in fall 2024, and had it listed by February.
Because Niemi will not be living in the school district anymore, he cannot serve on the school board.
The board of education must appoint a replacement by June 18.
Interested applicants can submit a letter to District Treasurer Mark Astorino at 541 West 34th St., Ashtabula, no later than 4 p.m. May 23.
The applicant must be at least 18, a United States citizen and have resided of Ohio for one year and in the county and school district for at least 40 days.
The notice said the Ashtabula County Probate Court will make the appointment, if the school board does not decide by June 18.
The replacement’s term will end Jan. 1, 2026, the notice said.
That school board member’s position will be on the ballot in the November 4, 2025 election.
Niemi was first elected to the school board in November 2017, he said.
“I’m thankful that I was able to develop a very good relationship with our administration,” he said.
Niemi said he enjoyed working with Astorino, and all the board members who were there during his tenure.
“I found it to be very rewarding, but tough at times,” he said.
Niemi said it is up to the district to decide who will replace him on the A-Tech Board.
Niemi worked with many great A-Tech board members, he said.
“I’m going to miss working with them,” he said.
Niemi does not plan to get involved with local government or school districts in and around Perry, he said.
“You never know, but I’m going to be kind of new to the community,” he said.