East Lyme — Two Board of Education members have tendered their resignations to the town clerk, according to Chairman Timothy Hagen.

Joseph Arcarese, a Democrat, and Robert Kupis, a Republican, who both were elected to the 10-member board in 2013, are resigning, Hagen announced at Monday's Board of Education meeting.

The four-year terms for Arcarese and Kupis were set to expire in December 2017.

Hagen said the board would be happy to receive nominations from board members for the two vacancies at its Dec. 7 meeting, but there is no specific timeline for filling the positions. 

Hagen thanked Arcarese, who is the principal at Fitch High School in Groton, and Kupis for their contributions.

Hagen said job commitments have made it challenging for them, but both members were part of the team, particularly during the long search for the new superintendent.

Kupis said in an email to The Day on Tuesday that the time requirements of a new position he was offered at the Veterans Hospital in West Haven have prevented him from meeting his obligations as a board member. He praised the board members as diligent and hard-working.

"I am torn with my decision as a parent as well as a taxpayer but I no longer have the time needed to perform the necessary research the students and faculty deserve," he said. "I am proud of what the board has accomplished the past couple of years, especially the hiring of our new Superintendent Mr. Jeffrey Newton and all the work that has gone into the tough decisions regarding our elementary schools. I am grateful for the experience and wish everyone the best."

Arcarese could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday.

At Monday's board meeting, Hagen also recognized Pamela Rowe, who has served for four years on the Board of Education, and noted her efforts particularly on the school district budget. Rowe did not run for re-election in November, and Monday marked her last meeting on the board.

"She really has been wonderful to have on the board," Hagen said.

"My experience on the Board of Education has been very rewarding," Rowe said by email on Tuesday. "I have had the opportunity to be part of some major changes in our school system as well as the hiring of our new Superintendent. There are many big decisions that lie ahead with the elementary school project that are very time involved."

But she said her son is a college freshman and her daughter is a sophomore and three-season athlete at East Lyme High School, and at this point in her life, she would like to have the time to travel to visit her son and attend her children's games and events. She said the time commitment for the board, especially for the upcoming budget season, is more than she has to offer at this time.  

"I'm thankful for the time I've had to serve and the support that I've received from the community, staff and administration," she added.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich