Sidney and Frankford trustee Kristen Parks has resigned from the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board.

Parks publicly announced their decision to step down on social media Thursday morning.

"Yesterday morning I submitted my resignation to the board of trustees at HPEDSB,"  Parks wrote.  "This was a VERY hard decision, but one I had to make for my family.  There are some great people on the new board who will work hard to make HPEDSB an even better place for students, staff, and their families.  It has been an honour to serve my community."

First elected in 2018 and then acclaimed in last month's municipal election, Parks has been an active board member serving on multiple committees.  Parks served on the Indigenous Advisory Committee, the Mental Health Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee and the Parent Involvement Committee.

Parks was a vocal advocate for equity and Indigenous rights to be included in the board's Strategic Plan.  Parks also pushed for affordable and accessible daycare along with more playground support.  Parks was chosen to mentor student trustees throughout their term.  Parks also led a climate crisis rally in Belleville in 2019 to support students demanding action on the issue.   

A statement from the school board is expected later.