Hansen bows out of superintendent race
Deputy superintendent will remain in post after father's injury
Kathleen Hansen says she will not seek election as Sutter County Superintendent of Schools because of an unforeseen family circumstance and will return to her previous job as deputy superintendent.
Her father, Eureka resident Larry Hansen, has suffered a serious head injury, Hansen, 50, said.
She was sworn in last August to the $147,220-a-year post after Superintendent Jeff Holland retired.
Hansen said she will serve as interim superintendent until her successor is sworn in.
"Life throws curveballs at us sometimes," she said of her withdrawing from the race.
Yuba City residents Bill Cornelius, 56, principal and superintendent of Biggs Unified School District in Butte County, and Elisabeth Miller, 59, principal at Lincrest Elementary School in Yuba City, are running for the county post.
The deadline for candidates to file for the position is March 12, though it is extended to March 17 for races in which an incumbent does not file. Since Hansen isn't running, the deadline will be extended.
Cornelius said he met Miller this month at an election-related event at the Star of India restaurant in Yuba City.
Miller could not be reached for comment Wednesday about Hansen's withdrawal from the race.
Hansen said she doesn't expect to endorse a candidate in the June election.
"It wouldn't be appropriate," Hansen said. "I'll let the voters decide."
Sutter County District Attorney Carl Adams had administered the oath of office to Hansen in August after her appointment to the county schools post.
Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Ryan McCarthy at 749-4707 or rmccarthy@appealdemocrat.com.
