Cedar Rapids school board election uncontested

Incumbent Lisa Kuzela has withdrawn from the Cedar Rapids school board race.

Kuzela announced her decision Tuesday, citing the need to focus her energy on flood recovery efforts.

"I didn't think I could continue to do what I did last year, serving on the school board and helping flood victims," Kuzela said. "It was too much."

Kuzela announced her decision after meeting with challenger Nancy Humbles. Kuzela said Humbles will be a voice for the people.

"She has the passion and skills to make a positive difference for our children, she understands the issues in our community, and she shares my education values," Kuzela said. "She will continue the work that I believe is vital to the strength and future of our school district."

Kuzela said she'll continue to support the district in a backseat capacity. She does not rule out running for an at-large seat in 2011.

"I'm not going away," she said. "I'm leaving it very open for me to run in two years. And I have some support for that."

Of the three seats availablein the Cedar Rapids school board election Sept. 8, only one race had two candidates. With Kuzela out of the running, all three seats are uncontested.

At-large candidate: Gary Anhalt

District 2 candidate: Nancy Humbles

District 3 candidate: Keith Westercamp