3:45pm | Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education member David Barton has announced his resignation from the school board.

Barton was first elected in 2006 to represent LBUSD’s District 5, which includes Millikan and Lakewood high schools along with surrounding elementary and middle schools. He ran unopposed for a second four-year term in 2010 and most recently was serving as the board’s vice president.

Barton notified both LBUSD Superintendent Christopher J. Steinhauser and Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Arturo Delgado of his resignation “for reasons of health” effective immediately. The notification was dated Jan. 22 and was received today at LBUSD’s Board of Education office.

Because Barton’s term does not expire until 2014, the Board of Education must begin taking steps to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. The school board will discuss the matter at its next regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

“David has served with distinction on the school board,” said LBUSD Board of Education President Felton Williams. “Together we have navigated extremely difficult times that have included unprecedented cuts in state funding, yet we have maintained our focus on improving student achievement. David’s leadership in this regard will be missed.”

“David has played an integral role here,” Superintendent Steinhauser said. “His calm, thoughtful leadership has contributed much to our success. We thank him for his service, and we wish him all the best.”