Hayden — Come January, the Hayden School Board will be without its top two officers.

School Board President Kathy Hockin and Vice President Kelly Hayes have decided not to seek new terms on the five-member board.

Hayden Superintendent Scott Mader was caught off guard when Hockin and Hayes notified him of their intentions.

“I was surprised they were not running,” Mader said. “They have been excellent board members and very supportive.”

Hockin’s decision is paving the way for an uncontested race in District 1. However, Hayes’ decision has opened up a competitive race in the 5th District that could have as many as five candidates vying for the seat.

When contacted Monday evening, Hayes would not comment on why he will step down from the board. Hayes was appointed to the board in 1995 and was re-elected in 1997.

Vying for Hayes’ seat on the board are Brian Hoza, Kathy Hockett and Andrea Hayden. These three residents have secured 25 signatures necessary to become a candidate.

Two other residents who have taken out nomination forms Rod Branstetter and Melvin Richardson have until Friday to turn in their forms.

The races in Districts 1 and 3 will be uncontested unless a resident from these two districts emerges at the last minute.

In District 3, incumbent Kurt Frentress has turned in his nomination form.

Patty Bruchez is the only District 1 resident who has picked up a form and turned it in.

Initially, Hockin planned to run for another term. She changed her mind because she wants to focus more on the family’s gravel pit business and because she no longer has children in the district.

“My kids are all grown,” she said. “I think it will be good to have someone else on the board. It is time for some new blood.”

Hockin was elected in 1993. Since 1997, she has been the board’s president.

Residents in Districts 1, 3 or 5 who are interested in serving on the School Board still have time to take out a nomination petition, which are available at the district office, 495 Jefferson Ave.

If a candidate does not emerge in District 3, Frentress will become the senior member of the board. Frentress, 39, was appointed to the board in 1996.