PORT ORCHARD — Seward Stevens, who first joined the South Kitsap School District Board of Directors in November 2016, resigned May 18 from the district governing board.

In a letter submitted to the Board of Directors, Stevens cited a need to redirect attention to his personal life and business responsibilities as the reason for his resignation.

“After careful consideration, I am submitting a letter of resignation from the South Kitsap School District Board of Directors in order to concentrate on my personal life and business responsibilities,” Stevens wrote. “I shall continue to support the good work of the Board from the floor.”

Stevens has been a self-employed builder for 46 years. He and his wife have been Port Orchard residents for nine years. They have a daughter who is a student in the South Kitsap School District, according to Stevens’ school district biography.

Following his appointment to fill a vacancy left by Patty Henderson, Stevens ran unopposed and was elected in November 2017.

Stevens’ District 1 includes Port Orchard, Annapolis, Old Belfair Highway and Gorst.

District spokeswoman Amy Miller said the board will soon seek applicants to fill the remainder of Stevens’ term, which expires in 2019.

“We wish Mr. Stevens all the best in the future,” Board President Rebecca Diehl said in a statement. “We thank him for his time and service to the district.”

The school district said it will soon send out details on the board member posting, application process and deadline.

For more information, contact Superintendent Karst Brandsma’s office at 360-874-7001 or visit the district’s website: www.skschools.org.