SEYMOUR – Jay Hatfield, an elected official who was arrested July 11 at a Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball game, resigned from his seat on the Seymour Board of Education Wednesday (July 29).

Hatfield submitted an email to the board’s attorney Wednesday afternoon, according to school board chairwoman Kristen Bruno. Hatfield’s resignation statement was not immediately available.

The school board had scheduled a meeting Wednesday night to discuss Hatfield. The board still convened the meeting, but it lasted about 60 seconds.

Bruno read a statement into the record.

“This afternoon Mr. Hatfield submitted his resignation from the Board of Education effective immediately. We thank him for his years of service to the community and wish him well in the future,” she said.

Bruno, the other school board members and Superintendent Susan Compton declined further comment on the matter.

Bruno said the board is expected to find a replacement for Hatfield within the next 30 days to serve out the remainder of Hatfield’s four-year term, which ends at the end of 2027. 

Hatfield, a Republican, will be replaced by someone from the same political party.

Hatfield, who is a teacher at Platt Technical High School in Milford, was first elected to the school board in 2011.

He also served on the school board’s liaison and athletic subcommittees. He was also a member of TEAM Inc.’s Board of Directors until stepping down July 24.

Hatfield was arrested July 11 by Hartford police who charged him with trespass and disorderly conduct. Both charges are misdemeanors.

 According to a police incident report, staff at a Yard Goats merchandise shop told stadium security that Hatfield made inappropriate comments to a male underage staffer about a female underage staffer.

He then allegedly wouldn’t leave the stadium when told to do so and caused a scene, police said.

Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis, who doubles as the town’s Republican Party leader, told The Valley Indy July 28 that she had asked Hatfield to step down from the school board during a phone call July 22.

She said Hatfield agreed to resign by July 27, but didn’t. 

Drugonis then publicly called for his resignation.

Hatfield is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Hartford July 31. His attorney said he will only comment during court hearings.