PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The Pike County Board of Education lost two members Monday when the resignations of Chairman Bobby Varney and J.C. Chaney were submitted to county school superintendent.

“After much prayerful consideration, I realize this is the right thing to do,” Varney said. “The Board deserves more than I can give at this point.”

Varney, who has served on the board 15 years, said he has had some health issues and needs to devote more time to his job as well as his family.

“My employer has been supportive, so has my family,” Varney said. “But I would have to miss a lot of things, I feel the voters who elected me deserve more than I can give at this time.”

He mentioned several of the milestones Pike County schools have reached during his tenure.

“We have gone from having an investigation and the state board taking over the district to our superintendent being named Superintendent of the Year,” Varney said. “We have had to do some very hard things, like closing Brush Grade School, but we have also accomplished a lot of things.”

Varney mentioned several new schools that have been added to the system, including Pike County Central High, Southside Elementary and the new Belfry High School.

“The first time I walked into the new Belfry High School, it took my breath away. And the fact that the old school was turned into the new Belfry Middle in so short a time, it was just remarkable.”

Chaney told those assembled he was resigning because of a job opportunity.

“The economy has affected me, as it has a lot of people,” Chaney said. “I was laid off earlier this year, and have been offered an opportunity to be employed by the Pike County BOE. I am resigning in order to accept that position.”

Both outgoing members said they would continue to seek opportunities to serve the children of the county.

Pike BOE Superinten-dent Roger Wagner said that although he and Varney

did not always agree, they, along with the rest of the board, have always been able to work together for the good of the school system.

“We have a lot of different personalities on our board,” Wagner said. “We have learned to work together for the schools. We appreciate these member’s dedication and the time you have put in. Thank you.”