Brian Gaspar, a candidate for Mercer Island School District Director Position No. 2, has announced he is no longer running for the position.

Julian Bradley, the other candidate for the position as well as the outgoing President of the Mercer Island PTA Council, is now running unopposed.

Gaspar made the announcement Aug. 11 on his campaign website brian4mercerisland.com. In the post, he references a story by the Mercer Island Reporter and InvestigateWest about a former teacher accused of having inappropriate relationships with students:

“Today, MI Reporter published a story I was primarily responsible for bringing to light. I came forward because our kids weren’t safe, and school leadership chose to protect its reputation instead of protecting our children.

“Some advised me to stay quiet to protect my candidacy and avoid retaliation against my family. I refused, because leaders lead, even when the cost is high. My priority has always been protecting children, not winning an election.

“For that reason, I am stepping out of the race for school board. I have no doubt I will be attacked and lied about by school leaders, but the truth matters more than some political future that others care more about than the children of Mercer Island. This is not a retreat but a decision to ensure that the focus remains where it belongs, on the safety of our students and the accountability of those entrusted with their care.”