Blaney withdraws from District 2 School Board race; Name remains on ballot
Reported byThe Jena Times
Read the full story at The Jena TimesAI-assisted summary
A school board member who has held the District Two seat in a Catahoula Parish school system since January 2023 has said he is dropping out of his reelection bid. He shared the news on Facebook, saying he had been unsure about running again when he signed up. He said that after learning who else is running, he believes stepping aside is best for Sicily Island. He also cited the school consolidation and personal reasons, saying he no longer feels able to campaign energetically, and that students need someone younger and closer to them.
He later told another outlet that he did not know the other candidates when he entered the race. His change of mind came after the period for taking a name off the ballot had closed, so his name will still appear. He is asking District Two voters not to choose him so that they can pick the next representative.
Christopher Ahmed and Larry Gadson Jr. are running for the seat. Early voting runs October 20 through 27, with no voting on Sunday, October 25. Blaney remains on the board until a successor takes office in January 2027. The article notes his long career in parish schools as a teacher, coach, agriculture instructor and vice principal, ending at Sicily Island High School.
Why it matters
Voters in District Two will see a name on the ballot for a candidate who has said he is not seeking the seat, which could affect how they cast votes. The article also shows how a school consolidation can weigh on the people who serve the affected community.
- Board vacancy
- Candidate profiles
- Election results
- School consolidation
- Elected school boards
Written with AI from the publisher's article and may contain errors. The original reporting is the authoritative source.
Sign in to react.
- How can election officials and candidates help voters understand a ballot when a listed candidate has withdrawn after the removal deadline?
- What qualities should voters look for in a school board member after a school consolidation?
- How might a board member's career in the schools shape the way they serve on a board?
Suggested with AI.
Public discussion (0)
Share how this affects your community. Be respectful, stay on topic, and don't post personal information. Editors may hide comments that break these rules.