Coeur d’Alene School Board Trustee Christa Hazel announced Friday morning she will not seek re-election.

“My support for CdA School District is unwavering... In the coming months, I will be looking for alternative ways to support our schools through volunteering but the time has come to pass the torch,” Hazel wrote on her 'Christa Hazel, School Board Trustee' Facebook page. “My sincerest gratitude to my community for choosing me to represent you on our school board for this 4 year term. It has been an honor.”

In a phone interview with The Press, Hazel said she wants to spend more time with her family.

“I have two children that will be headed to college in the next few years and my time as a full-time mom is dwindling and I want to enjoy every minute of it,” she said.

In May, community members will vote for someone to take her place as Zone 1 trustee, but Hazel’s term will run through the end of June. During her four-year term she spent one year as vice-chair and two years as board chair.

She said she’s proud of what the board has accomplished in the past four years, including bringing all-day kindergarten into some schools, creating an anti-bullying policy, making school buildings safer and bringing mental health services to parts of the district.

Trustee Tambra Pickford said Hazel was a mentor when she first joined the school board.

“It’s a huge loss. She’s a great asset to the school board and our community,” Pickford said. “I’m bummed but I definitely understand where she’s coming from; I don’t think people understand the time the school board takes. I will miss Christa and her leadership dearly.”

Casey Morrisroe, board chair, said Hazel was a mentor for him, too, and he appreciates her knowledge and ability to weigh both sides of an issue while listening to the community’s concerns.

“I’m disappointed to hear she is not running again, but I understand — it’s a big commitment,” Morrisroe said. “She’s super dedicated to the district and the community and it shows in the work she does. I hope whoever steps up in her place is equally passionate and qualified.”

Before she leaves in June, Hazel said she looks forward to running a bond and levy campaign and then working on student testing.

“I’ve been truly honored to have served,” she said. “I hope whoever gets to sit on the dais after me enjoys it as much as I have. The district needs good people on the board.”