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Edgerton school candidate withdraws

MILTON — The field has narrowed in the race for Edgerton School Board.

Jim Salimes, one of six people running for the school board’s three open seats, withdrew his candidacy Friday, citing personal reasons.

“The choice was based on what’s best for my family in general. I want to make sure that I get in the time I need at home,” Salimes, 39, a parttime youth pastor and father of four, told the Gazette Friday. “I see that time suffering in the future if I were to get on (the school board).”

Salimes works about 20 hours a week as a youth pastor at Fulton Church. When he’s not at work, he home schools three of his four children, who range in age from 4 to 11. He said his wife works full time.

“It can be hard to balance,” Salimes said.

Salimes said the prospect of teaching his children, coupled with serving on the local school board, looked like a lot to juggle.

“I’d like to think I’d be able to give my all to both, but I don’t think I could,” he said.

Salimes said he’s gotten mostly positive responses. He hasn’t ruled out running for an elected post in the future.

“As the kids grow older, the right time might come,” he said.

Another candidate for Edgerton School Board, David Weger, acknowledged that running for an elected post is a major time commitment.

Weger said he remembers sitting with Salimes during a question-and-answer session at Edgerton Library in February.

“Jim really hung in there during that,” Weger said.

Salimes says he believes he made the right choice.

“I don’t regret this decision, and I don’t regret home schooling. I don’t regret taking time with family. I think it’s very important,” he said.