In an effort to draw attention to the dismal state of Paterson’s public schools, Board President Dr. Jonathan Hodges has resigned. The Herald News reports that he had grown increasingly frustrated by faltering academics, hamstringing of local board members by the State’s takeover, and Lucille Davy’s decision to replace the current superintendent, Michael Glascoe, who is unpopular with NJEA officials.

Indeed, the stark difference between how the Paterson school board viewed Glascoe and the way the teachers union and the state education commissioner saw him underscored a broad and enduring chasm. That chasm has been widened by the feeling shared by Hodges and others on the board that they have not had enough say in the search for Glascoe’s full-time replacement.

It will be hard to replace Hodges’ intelligence, idealism and commitment to public service in his role as president.