SOUTH POINT - Citing family and financial concerns, South Point School Board candidate John W. Hudnall has withdrawn from the race.

Hudnall officially withdrew around 2 p.m. Thursday. With three seats open on the school board, candidates Bill Rose and Glen Seagraves will be the new faces on the board, and board president Terry Blake will retain his seat. Current board members Bernard Belville and Gary L. Morrison did not file for reelection.

After working part-time jobs for the past two to three years, Hudnall said he was offered a $40,000 a year job recently. Recently, his 72-year-old mother sold her house to someone Hudnall said was supposed to lease the house her. This person sold the house, but someone else will be selling the house back to his mother. He is helping her repurchase the house.

"I've been a single father for 10 years, and she has helped me," Hudnall said of his mother. "I want to help her in return."

Hudnall said he is standing behind the remaining candidates, namely Bill Rose, a former school board member. Rose, he said, was a good member of the board and is a good friend.

"The candidates that will automatically be put in all have the stamina and knowledge to make South Point schools better," Hudnall said.

"Some day, I may do it again, but it is important that I accept this job," he said.

"I hate withdrawing, but right now, I have this family situation, and I need the money."

Family history was one of the reasons that pushed Hudnall to run for the position. Members of his mother's side of the family helped build the schools in South Point, he said. His mother also taught in the district for 35 years before her retirement. Also, he wanted to help the children in the district.

"I wanted to help the kids," he said. "The kids need our support, and the teachers need our support. You hear about elections, candidates and money, but you seldom hear about what the kids need or what the teachers need."

Nevertheless, Hudnall does have high hopes for the educational system. He believes that the federal No Child Left Behind Act will improve education, and in the United States, children have more choices than they do in any other country.

Hudnall also regretted letting down his supporters.

"I hate to let people down, but I believe we have a good future with the candidates," he said. "If people have a problem, call them and talk to them and let their problems be known."