Salem — Board of Education Chairman Stephen Buck is trading in his seat at the Salem School media center, where the school board meets, for an Adirondack chair this summer.

Buck, 71, is resigning from his position at the end of the month to enjoy some vacation time.

"My wife and I went to the Yucatán in February, and I discovered a love of visiting different places," he said. "We belong to a few travel clubs, and I want to travel."

Buck said he won't officially submit his letter of resignation to the town until June 30, in the event the board or Superintendent Joseph Onofrio II need to consult him on anything, but he already has several trips planned.

Buck was chairman of the school board in 2014, which saw a controversial school budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year, multiple staff and board member resignations and several calls for him to step down as chairman.

Residents cited a disconnect between parents of children in Salem School and the board.

With a restructured school administration and a new cooperative agreement with East Lyme High School set through 2039, however, Buck is satisfied with the work the board has done.

"I've been doing it for six years and we've gotten some things accomplished," he said.

The district will be accepting applications to fill Buck's seat on the school board from July 1 through July 13, with interviews on July 18.

There is no party restriction for the seat.

More information and applications are available on the Salem School website.

a.hutchinson@theday.com