Whitewater Unified School District Board of Education incumbent Larry Kachel announced Monday that he is withdrawing from the race to retain his seat. An election is scheduled for April 2.

Kachel serves as the board’s president.

He was one of among three candidates vying for two seats due for reelection on the board this spring.

Remaining candidates include incumbent Maryann Zimmerman and newcomer Jeff Tortomasi.

Board of education members serve for three-year terms.

In a statement released Monday to the press, Kachel wrote:

“Today I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election for a position on the Whitewater Unified School Board.  I apologize for the short notice, but as of early January I have been presented with a great opportunity to merge my Brookfield-based investment practice with another group, starting in 2025.  Although I am not retiring for several years, the amount of work involved in a merger during 2024 and 2025 will be immense.  I simply will not have time, nor can I honor a commitment, for three more years of service on the Board.

“I will remain on the board until my term expires in April of this year.  Unfortunately, my name will still appear on the ballot.  There are two seats up and two quality candidates are still running, so please give your support to incumbent Maryann Zimmerman and to Jeff Tortomasi.

“I am proud to have had a small role in approving much needed math and reading curriculum changes to our district, among other things. The early results are quite positive.  I have enjoyed the broad diversity of opinions held by all of our current board members and have especially enjoyed sitting in classrooms from time to time, watching our great teachers and staff work with our students.

“It has been my pleasure serving the District the past three years.”