Ron Cook, former Gowanda school board president, is shown taking the oath of office at an earlier meeting.

GOWANDA — Ronald Cook, president of the Gowanda Central School board, resigned from the post this week.

“Due to the rising concerns with the community COVID-19 threat and my leadership involvement within the community and the (Board of Education), I believe that I need to redirect my energy and be in a more engaging capacity on the front lines of this community threat.”

Cook expressed that he has enjoyed his time being on the board and being the board’s president, but during this crisis he feels his services would be better used elsewhere. He explained that his time on the board has been instrumental in his continued pursuit of community service.

“Having first-hand knowledge of the critical social needs of our aging veteran population, I cannot ignore the fact that they two must be a priority within the COVID-19 (crisis). Expected winter conditions and isolation will place our veterans at an increased risk which could lead to unfavorable outcomes for these individuals. I have established a bond within this concerning community and believe that I need to increase my availability and direct assistance to them.”

Cook has served for years on the board, as a member and president; he has been an active community member and is a member of the American Legion Iroquois Post 1587. He says he has witnessed firsthand the greater need of the people that are in need of services and his direct leadership assistance from the front lines. With many tears shed and a hard goodbye, Cook resigned from the board, effective immediately.