The article below originally appeared in The Almanac and is being reprinted with permission.

Atherton resident Helen Hausman, a trustee of the San Mateo County Community College District for 23 years, plans to retire from the Board of Trustees on May 1.

She said she has had serious eye problems in recent months — and that has made it impossible to complete her term.

Ms. Hausman also served as a trustee of the Sequoia Union High School District for 13 years and held a number of leadership positions in state and local PTAs.

She began her work in education as a teacher in Suitland, Maryland.

The college district serves 40,000 students annually, “helping students from all backgrounds and abilities attain their goal of a receiving a higher education,” she said in her announcement.

In the coming weeks, the college board will decide how to fill the vacancy, either by appointment or election. The board welcomes public comment and will hold a public hearing in the near future.