Dan Seckinger, a long-time Gwinnett School Board member, announced Monday that he’s not seeking re-election for his District II seat. The construction company owner and former teacher with 24 years on the board, said that he’s looking into new ventures and plans to stay active in education — perhaps on a state level.
“I think I have a lot to offer and help others achieve the success we’ve had in Gwinnett County,” he said of possible consulting endeavors. “My goal is not to turn everyone into miniature Gwinnett Counties, but we’ve done some great things and we have become great role models in education.”
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“He has been a great school board member and we will miss his influence and counsel,” said Gwinnett Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks. “He has been a part of what has been arguably one of the best school boards in the nation. He has served with honor and commitment to the people of his district and the children of Gwinnett County. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Although the primary isn’t until May 22, Seckinger has already recommended his replacement.
“I have real peace and a sense of assurance that District II will continue being well-served as Steve Knudsen seeks the District II seat should voters elect him.”
Seckinger said Knudsen is a “man of integrity with high morals and character.” He added that Knudsen understands that the school board seat is about “governance not micro-management.”
Seckinger said he never intended to stay on the board for so long.
“I hadn’t planned to run for the second term,” he said.
In all he’s served seven terms.
The one dark spot was an arrest back in 2010 for failure to pay child support.
Seckinger apologized to the community and vowed to not let it affect his official duties.
“The economy has not been a friend to many these last few years,” he said in a written statement at the time, “and that’s particularly true for those of us who made our living in the building industry. This is not an excuse, but it is, in fact, the reason.”
Seckinger, a father of four, owns and operates Seckinger Homes Inc., Seckinger Construction and Seckinger and Associates.
The matter appeared to be resolved relatively quickly and school system officials said they did not expect to look further into Seckinger’s arrest.
Gwinnett County Board of Education
District I: Carole G. Boyce, 2018 Chairman (term ends 2020)
District II: Dan Seckinger, 2018 Vice-Chairman (term ends 2018)
District III: Mary Kay Murphy (term ends 2020)
District IV: Robert McClure (term ends 2018)
District V: Louise Radloff (term ends 2020)
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