Kerri McCastland Drops Out of District 308 School Board Race

Saying she didn't want to fracture votes between candidates running for the District 308 school board, announced in an e-mail to Patch late Sunday afternoon she's dropping out of the race.

", and have consistently shared the same views and passions as myself throughout this race. With only three seats available, my passionate mission will be to back these three folks to get elected in this race and not to split critical votes," McCastland said.

The 39-year-old Plainfield North High School teacher is the second candidate to drop from the race. Former board member Leland Hoffer dropped out of the race Jan. 27. Unlike Hoffer, McCastland's name will remain on the April 5 ballot. 

In backing Lark, Lightfoot and Walsh, McCastland said the trio has "(knowledge with bonds and contracts, they are financial experts, out-of-box thinkers, problem solvers and are invested in getting our district in financial order."

In addition to Lark, Lightfoot and Walsh, , and incumbents and remain in the race. There are three open seats available. Board member Steve Wolf is not seeking re-election.

The focus of the race has been district plans to build a third high school in Plainfield. Along with the three candidates backed by McCastland, Swanson has also said she would vote to suspend the school's construction.

McCastland said this race likely will not be her last.

"My plan, is in two years to run again when hopefully our district is in a financial position to listen and act in the direction that will bring the best education to our kids," she said. "In the meantime, I will continue to be invested and close to the issues and decisions of the school board and D.308's future."