Resignation opens a Waitsfield school board seat

August 26, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti 

Harwood Unified Union School District School Board member Roberta “Bobbi” Rood of Waitsfield has submitted a letter of resignation from the board effective this Thursday, making tonight’s board meeting her last. 

First elected to the board in 2022, Rood is in the second year of her second term, which ends in March 2028. 

Bobbi Rood has served on the Harwood School Board since 2022. Courtesy photo

“While I hate to jump ship at this juncture, I am in the planning stages of an exciting shift in residence to Italy for a year,” Rood writes. “This necessitates my early resignation from the board prior to March 2028 when my term officially ends. To continue the sailing metaphor, when I joined the board it was to correct course. We have made great strides toward our earlier goals, and now move forward in uncharted waters.”

Rood reflects on the board’s ongoing efforts and offers encouragement to her colleagues. “We are at an exciting juncture, albeit an uncomfortable shift from business as usual. I applaud our board and where we have gotten to with diligent planning. We are a strong board and functioning well. This will count for a lot as you move forward with plans under discussion related to consolidation while maintaining excellent standards and quality education for all of our school-age children.”

Harwood Superintendent Mike Leichliter praised Rood’s contributions to the board in sharing her resignation news, which he said he would not characterize as “jumping ship.” 

“I think it is more fitting to say that she is hauling down her flag after distinguished service and setting sail for an exciting new adventure in Italy,” he said. “I will certainly miss her voice, perspective, and presence as the board continues navigating the waters ahead.”  

Rood closes her letter with a phrase in Italian that translates to: “Thank you so much for the work you are all doing for our children and the community.”

After accepting Rood’s resignation, the board will share details on seeking candidates for an appointment through March Town Meeting Day. At that time, Waitsfield voters would be able to elect someone to serve out the one remaining year on the term.    

As a result of Rood’s resignation, another action item on Wednesday’s board meeting agenda is to appoint Duxbury member Emily Dolloff to be the Harwood district’s representative to the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, which Rood was appointed to this spring.