McGinness not running for reelection to Iowa City school board

IOWA CITY - Iowa City school board member Jeff McGinness said Friday he will not run for re-election this September.

McGinness, a 1993 City High graduate, first was elected in 2011.

In a Facebook post Friday to a group of Iowa City parents, he said being on the board had cost him time with his wife and children.

'It is (a) tough and immensely time consuming position if one is to effectively perform the required duties,” McGinness wrote.

McGinness said he would remain involved in the district and support candidates who take a holistic and team-focused approach to the district.

'I also plan and hope to be involved in the future direction of our district through service on whatever committees best fit my experience as well as helping pass the planned 2017 GO Bond,” he wrote.

McGinness is one of four current board members whose terms expire this year. Orville Townsend, whose term also will expire, said he would not run in 2015 when he was appointed to the board last year.

Board members Patti Fields and Marla Swesey also have expiring terms this year.

McGinness did not return a request for comment Friday.