Ty Pendergrass has withdrawn from the race for the District 4 seat on the Webster Parish School Board, leaving Gary Odom as the remaining candidate for the November 3 election.
Pendergrass announced his decision in a Facebook post, citing the qualifications and connections of the other candidate as factors in his decision.
Pendergrass said he initially decided to seek the seat after reading about the expected turnover on the school board, with seven of the 12 seats potentially being held by new members. He said he believed his previous public service experience could be useful during a period of significant change.
“I believe education is a life long process, a gift to be enjoyed & used to serve ourselves, our families & our fellow man,” Pendergrass wrote. “A healthy public education system is important to our children & our society as a whole.”
Pendergrass said another candidate filed for the District 4 seat last week. He noted that the candidate lives near the center of the district, has a wife employed by Webster Parish Schools, and has several children attending parish schools.
“Having a candidate in District 4, centrally located, and with a long term vested interest in Webster Parish Schools, I have decided to withdraw as a candidate,” Pendergrass wrote.
Pendergrass said his name will not appear on the November ballot and that his decision will allow the remaining candidate time to prepare to serve District 4.
He also thanked those who encouraged him to seek the position and said he has “a real peace” about his decision.
Pendergrass closed his post by encouraging residents to pray for Webster Parish schools, teachers, students, administrators, school board members, and other essential personnel.