DeSoto school board member not seeking re-election

by Daphne Brown of DeSoto TODAY

A DeSoto School Board trustee plans not to seek re-election in May.

Filing for the board's Places 6 and 7 seats began Feb. 9 and continues through March 9.

Current School Board President Don Gant, Place 7 incumbent and the most senior member of the body, plans to seek a fourth term while Place 6 incumbent Don McKinley has decided not to seek a second term.

An attorney for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, McKinley said he loves his work life, which has become increasingly more challenging.

“This is a pretty agonizing decision for me, but I've got responsibilities there,” McKinley said. “With the economy's present state, we've got our challenges.”

With the organization for 31 years, McKinley said being a DeSoto School Boardmember has been the best volunteer position he's ever held.

“If I cannot give 100 percent, the community needs to find someone better, and that is my sincere hope, that someone who really cares about this district and this community will run,” he said.

McKinley is charged with assisting the set up of a new office in California while expanding the legal staff in Dallas. He thanked his wife for her support.

“I wouldn't be here if Jan hadn't campaigned for me,” McKinley said.

The election is set for May 9.

Interested candidates may pick up election information in the office of the Assistant Superintendent for School and Community Engagement at the administration building, located at 200 E. Belt Line Road in DeSoto.