By SANDY McGEE

BLACKSTONE — Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee member Mark Almquist has resigned from his school board post after nearly eight years of service.

In a resignation letter submitted to the School Committee on Jan. 10, Almquist cited increasing job responsibilities as his reason for the departure. He has been employed by the Bose Corp. in Framingham since 1986 and is currently the manager of the Home Solutions Group.
“Increasing responsibilities in my job have placed more demand on my time … I find that I have less ability to focus on the needs of the BMR School District,” wrote Almquist in his resignation letter. “I do not believe it is fair to the community or to the BMR School District to be anything less than a fully participating and active member of the board to which I was elected.
“Therefore, I recognize that it is time to step down and encourage other individuals to offer their services to the community and school district.”
Almquist has served on the School Committee since April 2000. He currently held the position of treasurer for the eight-member board. He has also served on district sub-committees, including those for guidance and athletics.
“I have enjoyed my tenure on this board since I was first appointed,” wrote Almquist. “The budget crisis of the last few years has certainly added its share of challenges, however, the opportunities to see the success and achievement of our students has always provided the motivation and reward to press forward.”
Superintendent of Schools Herbert Levine said Almquist was a valuable asset to the regional school board.
“I’ve gotten to work with Mark closely and he’s very involved in the meetings,” Levine said. “He’s done a remarkable job in supporting the goals of the district. He has put in a lot of time and effort. It’s a big loss for the district.”
Almquist will serve on the School Committee until April 4, just a few days before the upcoming Blackstone and Millville elections.
The School Committee treasurer said he submitted an early resignation to allow time for the open committee position to be placed on the election ballot.
“I am providing this early notice so that the committee in conjunction with the Blackstone Board of Selectman may, in accordance with M.G.L. 41:10, include my unexpired term on the ballot for the town elections scheduled for April 7th, 2008.”
Almquist served as a member of the Blackstone Board of Selectmen from 1993 to 1996 and as chairman of the Charter Commission in 1996 and 1997. He is a graduate of Bryant College, where he received a master’s degree in finance.
The committee member vows to remain an active participant in town and academic affairs. “I will continue to be an active and vocal member of this committee and, after the 4th, will continue to support the BMR School District as a very interested and concerned voter,” he wrote.
Almquist resides in town with his wife, Gail, and their daughter, Sara, who is a student at Rhode Island College.