NEWPORT — Superintendent Donna Magoon announced her resignation in a prepared statement at Thursday’s Newport School Board meeting, citing the lack of support from one board member, whom she did not name.

Reading her statement during the public comment portion of the meeting, Magoon said her decision to leave was not made lightly, but she felt it was appropriate because she did not have the full support of the five-member board.

“At this time, I feel it is necessary to step aside due to an ongoing challenge of working with a member of the School Board,” Magoon said, without elaborating. “I want to be very clear: This is not a statement of blame or conflict but rather recognition that in order to serve effectively as a superintendent, I must have the full support and collaboration of the board as a whole.”

Magoon did not name any of the board members as the reason for her departure, which will be on June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

A message left for Magoon on Friday morning was not returned by deadline.

Jessica Packard and School Board Chairwoman Nikki Murphy were newly elected to the board in March, joining Darrell Jones and Melissa Mitchler. Keith Sayer, who had been appointed to the board last year following a resignation, was also re-elected.

On April 5, the board held a retreat that included a non-public session,but the minutes of the meeting were not made public. At the end of Thursday’s board meeting, the board voted to go into a non-public session, with only board members to start.

Magoon was hired in 2022 to replace Brendan Minnihan, who had resigned. She previously served as assistant superintendent in SAU 6, which includes Claremont and Unity, before resigning in the summer of 2021 to become interim superintendent in the Milford (N.H.) School District.

Despite stating that the board did not fully support her, Magoon said she “remained deeply respectful of the board’s important role guiding the district.”

“I hope in time the district will find the alignment it needs to continue to move forward with strength and unity.”

Serving Newport students, staff and families has been a “privilege,” Magoon said.

“I truly enjoyed every minute watching our students grow, supporting our educators as they inspire and lead, and building connections with families who care so deeply about the success of their children.”

During her three years in Newport, Magoon said there were challenges faced and milestones celebrated as educators worked together to create a district that reflects the values of Newport.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished and the direction we have moved, focusing always on students first, strong educational outcomes and building a sense of belonging in our schools,” she said.

The board did not comment on the resignation at Thursday’s meeting, but named Sayer and Mitchler as members of the newly formed Superintendent Rubric and Evaluation Development Committee.

It also voted to establish a hiring committee that will bring two finalists for the superintendent’s position to the full board. No timeline was set for hiring Magoon’s replacement.

The board said it will be looking for community members, parents and high school students to serve on the committees along with school district employees

Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.