Shortly after he drew the third spot on the ballot in a field of five candidates for his Position 4 seat on the Katy ISD Board of Trustees, veteran school board incumbent Eric Duhon withdrew from the race.

Duhon, who has served on the school board since 1999, notified some area media outlets about his decision to withdraw through a press release.

He did not send a copy of that release to InstantNewsKaty; however, a copy of Duhon’s notice was obtained from a third party.

In the statement, Duhon said there were “at least two capable gentlemen” in the race.

“I have surveyed the field of candidates and feel that there are at least two very capable gentlemen who have invested themselves into the district and done work to prepare themselves to represent you well,” Duhon said.

He did not identify the two candidates.

Duhon also said he had considered not seeking re-election in earlier races, but was hesitant to do so because of major issues facing the district.

Duhon’s withdrawal was in sharp contrast to statements he made during the ballot position drawing, which occurred moments after filing closed at 5 p.m. Monday. While candidates and their representatives gathered in the lobby of the Katy ISD Educational Support Complex to draw for their position on the ballot, Duhon joked about drawing a large number of opponents.

He said he had “always drawn a lot of challengers” and was “looking forward to the campaign.” Duhon also said the large number of candidates was “a good thing” for the school district.

Duhon’s withdrawal leaves Shell Oil retiree A.J. Durrani, IT project leader John Eberlan, attorney Kurtis Gross and Cy-Fair ISD teacher Terry Huckaby in the running for the Position 4 seat.

Duhon’s full, unedited statement read as follows:

“I have enjoyed representing the KISD citizens on the Board of Trustees for 12 years. I have worked hard to collaborate with the other board members in making this district the best and most financially secure district possible while growing at an almost meteoric rate.

“Twelve years ago we were approximately 28,000 students and 28 facilities. Cinco Ranch High was opening its doors and over 2500 students joined the district in the following year. We are now over 60,000 students over 45 campuses and have a new education support center, rodeo arena, major modified stadium and field house with state of the art LAMBS (live action media broadcast system) that is a part of the curriculum at Miller Career and Technology Center (MTSC). Raines High School as well as the OAC and MTSC received much needed renovations and are serving more students than ever with new and enhanced programs. The taxpayers have supported this district almost without fail and given of their time and money in support of public education. I only hope I have contributed to returning as much value to the students and parents as should be expected of an elected trustee.

“Every election since 1999 I had to decide whether I was ready to turn over the position to a more capable or willing candidate. Each of the past three elections saw some major event happening that I felt was reason enough not to change the board dynamics. I have served with very distinguishable Trustees who have moved on – Joe Kimmel was a great mentor, Jackie Birkel was the first and only board president who actually had to hold court within our jurisdiction, Marsha Myers brought a publically silent but steady internal balance to the board.

“Members currently on the board have served with sincere interest in creating that environment of learning needed to keep KISD moving forward. Judy Snyder has served with great elegance and steady temperament, not afraid to address the most difficult situations head on. Joe Adams the grandfather of the board continues to represent Katy across the state and within Region IV. Rebecca Fox brings balance from the parental audience and keeps us in touch with what is happening at all levels within the district. Her activities with PTA’s, PTO’s and other organization and well as her mentoring and volunteering efforts has served the district well and made her a great representative for the teachers and community. Chris Crockett has become exactly what the board thought she would be when we selected her to fill the remaining term following Jackie’s resignation. Her legal background and extreme work ethics have really brought value to the board. Robert Shaw (the junior Grandfather) kept the course steady even when he had to leave for nearly a year to work remotely. His knowledge of building and mechanical systems as well as his genuine love of sports has also helped to bring a certain balance to board decisions. Neal Howard, our newest member has brought his own unique dynamics to the board. I personally want to thank all of these people for collaborating with me and working so hard to insure we provided the administration and thusly the teachers with everything needed to deliver excellence for student learning.

“I also want to thank the thousands of supporters who stuck with me through the years and validated my presence on the board in each election.

“There are really too many great employees to mention, but I want to thank a few who have made a life of working in education and doing such an excellent job. These people would have been successful in anything they decided to do whether in education or out in the business world. I am honored to have known and worked with them. First there was Dr. Leonard Merrell who guided the district for most of the years I was a trustee. His work is legendary and was the right man at the right time for this fast growth district. Alton Frailey while having big shoes to fill is also the right man at the right time for KISD. I feel the district is in very capable hands and ask you to continue to support his initiatives and work with him to maintain and move us forward. He is assembling a great staff of very talented individuals who are up for the challenges ahead. Bob Bryant has brought fine arts to a premier level throughout the district and is the most passionate supporter of fine arts I have ever seen. The creation of the Performing Arts Centers at each high school is in part to his vision and leadership. Rusty Dowling has made the position of athletic director more than a full time job. His ability to support all programs and work hard with the board and administration has brought our programs to the superior level in many sports. His expertise and broad relationships throughout the state has paid major benefits to Katy and our sports programs, benefitting thousand of athletes and band participants. The sports facility improvements throughout the district are in a major way the result of his passion to bring first rate programs to KISD.

“Bill Moore has been a marvel to me. There is no finer individual from a moral and ethical standpoint and his capability to do miracles with money is second to none in this state and perhaps the nation. Twenty five plus years of award winning work recognized by the state speaks for itself. We are being significantly challenged by the state cut backs in financial support. Bill will be a key player in assisting the board and administration in designing our response to this serious event in our history. I firmly believe Katy will be in a better position to stay the course than the neighboring districts that are in the news every day. It will not be easy but believe me when I say it could have been much worse without the foresight of the board and administration over the past ten plus years.

“It all comes to the actions within the classrooms and we have enjoyed the best there is. I am referring to dedicated teachers and support staff that strive for the success of KISD students and work out of a genuine desire to educate. We are also blessed with engaged community members, parents and grandparents who care and support efforts to educate all students.

“God bless you one and all.

“So the BIG QUESTION – WHY NOW—

“I successfully fought off the attacks from negative organizations and individuals that had hidden and not so hidden agendas. I have enjoyed the fight and have also enjoyed watching thousands of young men and women walk across the graduating stage knowing I played a small part in their lives.

“As board members we have always had to balance our personal and work lives with the responsibilities of the board. This was difficult at times and without the support of the other members I probably would have resigned.

“It is no secret that my wife and I have been working on our retirement site in Simonton. She has built a successful horse boarding and trail riding venue and we expect to convert the old Valley Lodge into a wedding and social event venue.

“It is now time to get serious and build that house I have been promising her for six years. Simonton while not in KISD will be a great place for me to get back to my country roots and for my wife to enjoy the passion she has for horses and land.

“I have surveyed the field of candidates and feel that there are at least two very capable gentlemen who have invested themselves into the district and done work to prepare themselves to represent you well. I will get to know them better and place my support behind one of them. It is critical that the public study the candidates and search to replace me with a serious contributor and not an agenda laden single issue flash in the pan. Remember the person you elect needs to be able to influence and work with the others on the board and to keep a strong board moving forward through the tough times ahead. Please stay engaged in the process and VOTE.

“Thank you and God bless us all.”