The resignation on Tuesday of the Isle of Wight County Schools’ chief financial officer brings to an end, at least for now, a long career in public service for Phillip Bradshaw.

Bradshaw, who has served in his most recent position since November 2010, resigned from his seat on the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, where he served as chairman of the board and had represented the Carrsville district for 17 years, in order to take on his new responsibilities for the school district.

His term in office followed on the heels of his father, Joel C. Bradshaw, who served on the board of supervisors for 18 years.

During his time in office, Mr. Bradshaw was described a tireless advocate for southern Isle of Wight County. Yet while he was, in fact, instrumental in shaping policies that have allowed the entire county to experience the economic growth and expansion, it has seen in recent years, his most important work may have been in helping to rally and lead a community devastated by the initial decision to close the International Paper Franklin mill.

In the press release announcing his resignation from the Isle of Wight school system, Bradshaw cites personal health and family reasons as his motivation for stepping down. We wish him well in whatever endeavors lie before him.