PORT NECHES — Danny Bledsoe, who filed for a spot on Port Neches-Groves Independent School District board of trustees, has withdrawn his filing.

Bledsoe, 48, of Port Neches, had filed for the Position 2 seat against incumbent Lana Parker on Aug. 24, the last day of filing. On Aug. 28 Bledsoe signed a certificate of withdrawal with PN-GISD secretary to the superintendent/filing officer Cheryl Jourdan.

Bledsoe released a statement to the Port Arthur News regarding his decision to drop out of the race.

“While there is no doubt that I had the groundwork for a vigorous and successful campaign against my opponent, I felt that the taxpayers of the PN-G school district should not have to bear the cost of a lone race, estimated at between $5,000 and $10,000,” Bledsoe said. “My decision to run was to see that the best interests of the students and teachers as well as district employees were met. I firmly believe that academics and athletics must be balanced, that the district needs to ensure that measures are taken against potential data breaches on districtwide computers, including student laptops, and ensure long-term financial planning to meet the needs for future growth.”

Three seats on the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District board are up this election cycle but with the withdrawal of Bledsoe the election will be canceled.

Board President Jim Walters, the current board president did not file for reelection.

That spot will be filed by Scott Bartlett, 38, of Port Neches who was the lone filer for the spot. Neither Place 2 incumbent Lana Parker nor Place 3 trustee Eric Sullivan drew opponents.