Less than a month after MITCH Charter School founder Debi Lorence resigned, the chairman of the school’s board of directors has turned in his resignation, effective Jan. 31.

School officials confirmed Friday that Norman Russell will step down as the head of the school board at the end of the month.

Russell reportedly sent an email to the school board saying that serving on the board was proving to be too much of a time commitment.

Russell took the leadership role in October.

The news comes amid a series of changesat the small Tualatin school after teachers and parents complained of a sour atmosphere, systemic silencing of concerns and harassment through fear.

The school board’s next meeting is set for Wednesday, Jan. 30. The board will have to decide whether to appoint a new member or re-arrange responsibilities to serve as a six-member board for now.

Russell did not immediately return calls for comment.

MITCH Charter School is located at 19550 S.W. 90th Court in Tualatin, off Southwest Tualatin-Sherwood Road.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.