Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel school district, or RSU 21, school board member Rachel Kennedy-Smith announced her resignation from the board this week. In a letter to town officials, Kennedy-Smith cited the choice of Martin Grimm as the next superintendent as one of the reasons for her resignation.

“I believe in the value of leadership and the fresh energy they can bring,” Kennedy-Smith wrote. “That said, I’ve found myself out of alignment with the board’s direction, particularly regarding the selection of our next superintendent.”

The school board chose Grimm, who has years of experience across all levels of education, to fill the role of superintendent earlier this month.

The vote was not unanimous, with Kennedy-Smith abstaining from the vote and Lesley Stoeffler in opposition.

Current superintendent Terri Cooper announced her resignation in March, with her final day slated for Aug. 31. Grimm will begin on Sept. 1.

In her letter, Kennedy-Smith said she respected her colleagues and the process by which they sought and hired a new superintendent, but did not disclose her reasons for why she does not approve the hiring of Grimm.

Kennedy-Smith also wrote that the wide support Grimm has received from the district means he “may well be the right choice for the district,” but she can not “offer the full and confident backing that effective governance requires.”

According to Kennedy-Smith, the board was aware of her departure following the selection of Grimm.

“I take this as a sign of the board’s strong confidence in the incoming superintendent and a collective desire to begin this next chapter with full alignment,” Kennedy-Smith said. “I am grateful not to be an anchor to that process, and I sincerely hope my departure helps to create the clearest path forward for the district’s leadership.”

Kennebunkport voters reelected Kennedy-Smith to a three-year term on June 10. She ran unopposed.

In her letter, Kennedy-Smith said serving on the board over the past year has been “an honor.”

“It has been a meaningful — and at times surprisingly enjoyable — experience, one through which I’ve formed lasting friendships and deepened my appreciation for public education and civic engagement,” she said.

Board Chair Matthew Stratford said the board is “disappointed” by Kennedy-Smith’s decision to step down, but they are “equally energized” by the opportunities ahead for RSU 21 under Grimm’s leadership.

“The board has full confidence in Dr. Grimm and is excited to move forward focused on serving students and executing our strategic plan,” Stratford said.

The Kennebunkport Select Board recognized Kennedy-Smith’s resignation at a meeting on July 24 and set forth a timeline to select a new board member for a one-year term.

Kennebunkport Town Clerk Tracey O’Roak recommended advertising the position and setting the application deadline for Aug. 29.

“That would give people time to think about it and apply so we have some serious candidates,” O’Roak said.

The Kennebunkport Select Board will then review candidates at the Sept. 11 meeting and appoint a candidate to the school board.