By Chris Neidenberg / Reporter

EAST RUTHERFORD (July 30, 2010, 10:30 a.m.) — After only 15 months in the position, Robert Anderson has resigned from the school board overseeing Henry P. Becton Regional High School, citing personal reasons.

In a press release the Carlstadt-East Rutherford Regional Board of Education issued Monday, July 26, the district announced Anderson, "due to a change in personal circumstances," departed effective Aug. 3. It immediately launched a replacement search.

Anderson is a former longtime Carlstadt school board member. He joined Becton May 13, 2009, to replace Hernan Lopez. Anderson, elected to a full three-year term in an uncontested race only last April, was one of four Carlstadt members on Becton's nine-member body.

Anderson, who has worked in an accounting position for Target stores, could not be reached for comment.

"You just hate to lose a board member of the caliber of Bob Anderson," Board President Lawrence Bongiovanni said. "His accountant's background was particularly helpful. My understanding is the decision is business-related, requiring him to spend more time away from the board."

Board Member Bruce Young also served with Anderson in Carlstadt for about 15 years. "Knowing Mr. Anderson, he would not just step away from his board responsibilities if he didn't have to," Young said.

Call Chris at 201-438-8700