A Mercer school director has resigned because he has been called to active duty in the Middle East.

David E. Bailey received orders last Sunday to report to the Youngstown Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center for further instruction. His orders are written for one year from that date, although his actual time could be more or less.

In a letter to The Herald, Bailey said he resigned because he did not want to leave the borough without a voice in the district. He has been on the board for four years and three months.

"I have enjoyed seeing our children achieve great things, from surpassing the state average in assessment scores to the completion of a $15 million school renovation project," Bailey said in his letter. "The students, parents, faculty and administration have all played a significant part in making the Mercer school district what it is today.

"It is with extreme regret that I leave you now, and I look forward to seeing you all soon. I wish you all the best in 2003. God bless you all, and good luck with everything in the coming year."