School Board Candidate Withdraws From Race

Jimmy Clapp (center) stands with his family and supporters inside the Johnston County Board of Elections Office after filing for a seat on the Johnston County Board of Education in February. Today (Monday), Clapp announced he was withdrawing from the race. JoCoReport.com Photo

Seven months after he entered the race for the Johnston County School Board, Jimmy Clapp of Smithfield announced Monday he was withdrawing from the race.

Clapp said he has accepted a job with Carteret Community College which will require him to move.

“It is with much sadness and excitement that I am withdrawing my name as a candidate for the Johnston County Board of Education,” Clapp said in a statement. “I have accepted a position out of Johnston County and my family will be relocating towards the crystal coast.  This has been a lifetime dream for all of us and an opportunity I could not let slip away.”

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me during this election.  I wish the remaining candidates the best of luck and pray the citizens of Johnston County vote for change for the children and staff of this County,” Clapp said.

The elections are only 6 weeks away. Because his withdrawal came so close to Nov. 6th, his name will still remain on the ballot.

Clapp’s campaign has focused on helping the children of Johnston County, finding affordable solutions for new building needs, while being fiscally conservative with taxpayers money.

He had been employed with Johnston County Schools for nearly 20 years until his retirement in November 2017.  His mother, Barbara Clapp, was a 29 year employee of the Johnston County School system having worked directly for three prior superintendents.

For those who know me, I always like to say, “Speak with honesty, Think with sincerity and Act with integrity.”

Jimmy Clapp is the owner and operator of Servco Construction.   He and his wife, Debbie have 2 children, Josh and Ashley.