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He dropped out of this year’s Newport City Commission race to run for the Newport Board of Education.

Now he’s dropped out of that race, too.

Matthew Cline announced Friday that he is no longer a candidate for the school board.

In a statement, Cline called his political quest “a truly rewarding experience”.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many Newport residents who strongly support the outstanding teachers, staff and administrators of the Newport Independent Schools and are proud of the district’s accomplishments, including the recent news that graduation rates have increased by 30 points over the last five years. Nothing is more important to the district that the success of the students, not just today but in the future, and that commitment shows,” Cline said. 

He cited his commitment to his law practice as his reason for withdrawing.

“As a lawyer in a solo law practice, the commitments to my clients and my business have become too great and demanding to give the school board race the time and focus it deserves. I was honored to run as a candidate and wish the renaming candidates and all of the students, teachers, staff and administrators continued success,” Cline said.
 
Three of the five seats at the Newport Board of Education are on the ballot this year and all three incumbents are seeking reelection: Julie Smith-Morrow, Melissa Sheffel, and Theresa Miller. With Cline’s departure, there are three challengers: Nadine Parris, Sylvia Covington, and Ian Maloney.
 
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.
 
-Staff report
Photo: Newport High School football field (RCN file)