Founding Trustee of Rancho Santiago College District Resigns : Education: Carol Enos cites health reasons for her decision to step down from the board after 22 years.

Carol Enos, a founding trustee of the Rancho Santiago College District, announced her resignation Monday, citing health reasons and plans for an early retirement from her teaching job.

Enos, 54, has served on the board since 1971.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Even the contentious times were enriching,” she said.

Still, she added, “it’s time. Eras have to end.”

Enos said her decision to accept early retirement from her job as a teacher in the Orange Unified School District prompted her simultaneous decision to resign as college district trustee.

As a public school teacher, she is entitled to retirement benefits from the state. Enos also qualifies for state benefits because she is trustee. Because of the way the state’s early-retirement incentive is designed, she must resign both positions immediately to take advantage of it, she said.

Enos said her resignation from Rancho Santiago “seems sudden, but it’s only because of the ‘golden handshake’ by my (school) district.”

Her health was a factor in the decision, she said. She suffers from fibrositis, a stress-related condition marked by chronic muscle fatigue.

While she will be sad to leave Rancho, Enos added, “I’m looking forward to getting healthy and spending more time with my family.”

Enos said she was most proud of her role in helping the district evolve to offer a broad range of educational services for a diverse population, instead of targeting only students preparing to attend a four-year college.

Trustee Michael Ortell praised Enos’ contributions to the district.

“It’s always been uppermost in her mind, working for the good of the institution. I think it’s remarkable that we’ve had a person who’s been willing to devote so much time to the institution.”

Trustee Shirley Ralston, a longtime friend and frequent ally on the board, said, “I am truly going to miss Carol. You can’t take 22 years of history and not miss that.”

Her resignation is effective Dec. 30. Board members will interview candidates and appoint a replacement within 30 days of that date.