Teacher calls off campaign

Jack Price, a veteran educator who filed this summer to run for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board, announced the end of his candidacy this week, citing a lack of time and interest to run a full-scale campaign.

On Thursday morning, Price issued a statement to the Daily Pilot declaring his withdrawal from the race, although the Orange County Registrar of Voters had not received a notice and still listed him as a candidate. Price, who teaches part-time at Orange Coast College, declared his support for challenger Sandy Asper, who is running against longtime incumbent Judy Franco in the November election.

“This decision has come after much soul-searching and discussion with colleagues and family,” Price, 75, wrote in the statement. “First, I do not have the time or interest in mounting a full-scale campaign for the position and a half-hearted campaign would not keep faith with those who support my candidacy. Secondly, it is important that the incumbent be defeated.”

At the end of his statement, Price endorsed Asper, citing her nearly 40 years of experience as a teacher in the Newport-Mesa district. Asper, whom the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers endorsed earlier this month, said she was pleased by her former opponent’s support.

Loretta Zimmerman, a Corona del Mar High School parent and longtime PTA member, is also running for Franco’s board seat.