Lexington District 2 School Board candidate Denise Setzler withdrew earlier this week.

She said it would give other candidates who are challenging incumbents a better chance to win.

Another candidate, Tonya Crawford Mozenko, was not present for the forum sponsored by the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber at Cayce Elementary School.

Without Seztler and Mozenko, 6 candidates are left to run for 3 open seats on the board.

Board members Linda Alford Wooten and Brad Giles seek reelection.

Challenger Wayne McKim, owner of 3 local businesses, said the district needs an overhaul.

Alford Wooten, a medical field manager, said she is a lifelong West Columbian and graduate of B-C High. She said she would love to serve on the board to see the completion of the many building projects going on.

Brad Giles of Giles Brothers Insurance said he chose to live in Lexington 2 because it’s where he went to school. He is a Brookland-Cayce graduate whose 3 children have attended district schools. He said he is running to improve the board, district and community.

Christina Fitts Rucker oversees a business she owns with her husband. As a graduate of Airport High, she said her children go to district schools. She said she would focus on academic progress.

Mike Neal said he taught in Lexington 2 for 28 years. He said he would like to help turn the direction of the district and spend its resources more efficiently.

Bud Summers said he was born and raised in Lexington 2 and wants to use his experience to put students first.