SOUTH PORTLAND — Otis Thompson resigned Monday from the District 2 seat on the Board of Education, opening the possibility that the seven-member board could have five new members following the Nov. 7 election.

Thompson’s one-sentence resignation letter to Superintendent Ken Kunin gave no reason for his departure one year into a three-year term. Thompson couldn’t be reached for comment, but board Chairman Dick Matthews said Thompson decided to leave because he has numerous scheduling conflicts.

Matthews noted that the growing demands of serving in elected office have taken a toll on the board in recent years.

“We’ve had four resignations in the last two years – I’m starting to wonder if I should start wearing better deodorant,” Matthews said with a touch of humor.

On the school board, the district 4 and 5 seats and two at-large seats are up for election. Candidates are confirmed in all four races, according to the city’s website.

“I just hope somebody steps up to run in District 2,” Matthews said.

The City Council has the authority to appoint someone to fill a board vacancy until the next regular general election, City Clerk Emily Scully said in a news release. The council is expected to decide Sept. 6 whether to fill the District 2 seat, but Matthews said he expects the council to leave it vacant until the November election.

Thompson ran uncontested last fall for the District 2 seat, which represents the west side of the city. Nomination papers to fill the two remaining years of his term are available now at the clerk’s office. To qualify for the ballot, candidates must be residents of District 2 and collect 100 signatures from registered voters.