Veteran County School Board member Jeffrey Wilson said Tuesday he will not seek re-election for a new term.
At the same time, he said he is concerned about the condition of Brainerd High School.
He said its condition will be discussed at a meeting at Brainerd High next Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is to answer questions surrounding the current state of the facilities, the I zone, and future plans for the school.
Mr.
Wilson, who represents District 5, said, "A
lthough I have decided to forego pursuing re-election in order to focus on parenting a young child and pastoring my church, I am concerned about the longterm outlook of the schools in this community. It is my hope that a group of like-minded individuals can come together and create a long-term strategy which will benefit our children."
Cynthia Stanley-Cash, a longtime Brainerd community leader, said the school was closed all summer for the installation of an expensive overhaul of the heating and air system. She said in the process a number of rats invaded the school and that snakes have come in after the rats.
She said, "Students are staying home because of the snakes. One was seen going up a wall that looked like a boa."
Ms. Stanley-Cash said the grounds and parking area at the high school are also in a deplorable condition.