Evanston Township High School board candidate Cherie Hansen announced this afternoon that she’s dropping out of the race.
In an e-mail message, Hansen cited “personal reasons” for the decision to withdraw, but said she planned to continue to serve as co-president of the ETHS Parent Teacher Student Association.
Hansen’s name will still appear on the April 5 election ballot, but she said she plans to vote for and support Jonathan Baum, Mark Metz and Scott Rochelle for the three seats on the board that are up for election.
The race now becomes a four-way contest, also including long-time board member Jane Colleton.
Here’s the text of the message:
Due to personal reasons, I am ending my campaign for a position on the District 202 School Board. The time I must devote to addressing to pressing issues makes it difficult to mount a complete and effective campaign. While this has been a difficult decision to make, I feel personally honored to have had the opportunity to meet and engage with the many passionate and enthusiastic people who are concerned about the future of District 202. This decision will not impact my desire or ability to continue in my role as ETHS PTSA Co-President throughout the current term, ending in 2014.
In the course of the campaign I have had the opportunity to become familiar with the positions and qualifications of my fellow candidates and have decided to support Jonathan Baum, Mark Metz and Scott Rochelle going forward. In my opinion, these three candidates have proven their willingness to explore new ideas, communicate openly with our community, and hold our administration accountable to their constituents. I am confident they possess the skills, vision and collaborative spirit our ETHS deserves. Given that the deadline for formal withdrawal from the election has passed, my name will still appear on the ballot, however I will personally be voting for and supporting these three candidates in their quest for positions on the District 202 School Board and hope you will, too.
To those who’ve helped me in any way throughout the campaign, I sincerely thank you and appreciate your support!