U-46's Ponce withdraws from Green Bay superintendent race

Shortly after being named one of five semifinalists, Lalo Ponce took himself out of the running for Green Bay school district superintendent.

On Friday afternoon, the assistant superintendent for Elgin Area School District U-46 took part in closed-session interviews with the Green Bay school board, said Amanda Brooker, district spokeswoman.

Late that evening, after driving home, Ponce called district officials to inform them of his decision.

"After reflecting on the issue I felt it would be better if I withdrew," Ponce said Monday. "Mainly because the roots I have here are too deep. I have too many connections here."

Ponce said he decided to apply for the position after being contacted by Glenview-based search firm Hazard Young Attea and Associates.

"The district's laid a good foundation for instruction," he said Friday of Green Bay. "They've also handled their finances in a reasonable way. It seemed like the type of district that has a solid outlook for the future."

Hired under former superintendent Marvin Edwards, Ponce has worked for U-46 since 1993.

U-46 interim Superintendent Mary Jayne Broncato and newly named Superintendent Jose Torres were both aware that Ponce was interviewing, district spokesman Tony Sanders said.