St. Mary’s County Board of Education Chairman Dr. Salvatore “Sal” Raspa has decided not to seek re-election to a fourth term. Raspa has served as chairman for seven of his 12 years on the school board. He announced his decision to the board at an executive session Wednesday morning before the regular board meeting.
Raspa told the Bay Net that he would like to spend more time with his family after more than 50 years in the school system as a teacher, principal and administrator before being elected to the board. The Lexington Park resident represents the First Commissioner District on the board.
School board members are elected in a non-partisan election with terms expiring every two years on a rotating basis. This year Raspa’s and Brooke Matthews’ districts are up for re-election. Matthews, who represents the Third Commissioner District, has filed for re-election to a second term. No one has filed for Raspa’s seat. The top two vote getters in each race in the primary in June face each other in the November general election.
Raspa, 73, was re-elected in December to the board chairmanship and will serve in that position until the end of his term after the general election. Matthews was re-elected vice chairman.
Neither Raspa, nor the other board members, said anything about his decision during the regular board meeting. Candidates have until the end of February to file their candidacy for this year’s election.
