Des Moines Public Schools school board member Margaret Buckton announced Tuesday night that she will be resigning from the school board due to a potential future conflict of interest, effective Nov. 1, 2010.

Buckton recently became a partner-owner of Iowa School Finance Information Services, Inc. (ISFIS), a business that provides services to school districts. Des Moines Public Schools is currently a client of ISFIS although a conflict of interest does not exist at this time. According to state law, a contract between a school district and a school board member’s company cannot exceed $2,500.

“While the issue falls below the threshold of a legal conflict today, it will be impractical to sidestep the appearance of conflicts of interest as ISFIS expands our service offerings,” said Buckton. “I hope to continue to support the Des Moines Public Schools in a smooth transition of leadership prior to any issues of conflict arising that could create undue hardship toward the school district.”

Buckton was elected to the Des Moines school board in Sept. 2009 to serve a four-year term. The school board will appoint a replacement to serve until the next school board election in Sept. 2011.

“Margaret’s unique insight, experience and skill set will be missed,” said Connie Boesen, school board president. “Since she joined the board, she has worked tirelessly to improve the district for all of the students in Des Moines.”