By Linda Conner Lambeck

WESTPORT -– One of the only two remaining Board of Education members with more than 18 months of experience has resigned, it was announced Monday night.

Democrat Youn Su Chao, who was elected to the board two years ago alongside fellow Democrat Lee Goldstein, has stepped down, leaving Goldstein — who was unanimously elected as the new chair Monday night — to lead a board composed of four newcomers, an appointee with just over a year of experience, and a yet-to-be-determined replacement for Chao.

Chao was not at the meeting, held at Staples High School, and could not be reached for comment.

Goldstein said Chao was stepping down from the board for personal reasons. “We all wish her and her family all the best,” she said.

Chao was “an exemplary board member who approached every question thoughtfully, empathetically and with integrity,” Goldstein said in later comments. “She holds herself to the highest standards.”

Republican Liz Heyer, who was appointed to the seat vacated by Vic Muktavaram last August and now has the second longest tenure on the board, was unanimously elected vice chair Monday night.

 The secretary post on the board, not filled at Monday’s session, will be voted on at the Dec. 20 meeting.

Four new board members at their first meeting Monday — Democrats Kevin Christie and Christina Torres, and Republicans Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon — won election to the panel last month in uncontested races.

Veteran board member Karen Kleine, who was on the Republican ticket for reelection, dropped out of the race in September.

Former Chair Candice Savin has been appointed to the Board of Selectwomen, while Democrat Elaine Whitney, former board chair and secretary, and Republican Jeannie Smith, former vice chair, did not seek reelection.

A process will immediately proceed to replace Chao through the Democratic Town Committee, with a new member possibly appointed at the next BOE meeting on Dec. 20.

Goldstein said any interested registered Democrat in Westport can send a letter and resume to her by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, for consideration.

Candidates will be interviewed by both the Democratic Town Committee and Board of Education, with the final decision made by school board members.

Meanwhile, Christie nominated Goldstein for chair, calling her compassionate and dedicated to education.

“She is well-suited to represent our board,” he said.

Heyer seconded Goldstein’s nomination, saying nobody better understands the role of chair.

“She values the input of the community and understands the importance of discussing and deliberating,” she said, “but also is not afraid to take action when needed.”

Goldstein returned the bipartisan favor by nominating Heyer as vice chair, calling her smart, capable and able to look at problems from different angles.

“When we disagree,” she said, “we are able to have honest and in-depth discussions that don’t just help us find common ground, which we always do, but also help us move the conversation forward.”

As for her new role, Goldstein said later that her goal is to serve as an effective liaison between the superintendent and the board, helping to ensure the success of the district’s governance team.

Although she has only two years of experience with the Westport school board, Goldstein previously served on the board in Bedford, N.Y.

She is a Yale University graduate, a former high school English teacher, and a professional writer and editor who, since moving to Westport, has been active in the PTA, serving as its co-chair for Coleytown Middle School.