Some things are as predictable as the rising and setting of the sun. And one of those things, at least when it came to Cheshire's school budgets, was Republican Board Member Alan Sobol's opposition to what he considered wasteful spending on education.

But when the Cheshire board convenes in December, Sobol won't be on it. After serving on the board for 12 years, he did not seek re-election this fall and attended his last meeting earlier this month.

Sobol's opposition to wasteful spending on education didn't mean that he rejected everything. He frequently championed the cause of the district's program for gifted and talented students during budget deliberations.

But as enrollments in Cheshire's schools shrunk over the last, Sobol frequently railed against the number of teachers in the district, saying it didn't reflect the realities of providing a solid education in financially trying times.

Board Chairman Gerry Brittingham praised Sobol's efforts on behalf of the town's children.

"Alan has given freely of himself and his time," Brittingham said. "He deserves residents' heartfelt thanks for his efforts."