Mark Choate, one of three members of the Juneau School District’s Board of Education whose seat is up for election this year, said Thursday he will not pursue a third term on the board.

Choate, who heads the Choate Law Firm, said he “loves” the school board, but has other commitments to which he must devote his time.

“I’ve been doing it for six years, and I’m self-employed and have lots of other things going on in my life right now that require my time and attention,” Choate said of the school board.

Choate was first elected in 2006. School board members are elected areawide in Juneau and serve three-year terms.

Unlike City and Borough of Juneau Assembly members, who are limited to three consecutive terms, school board members can serve an unlimited number of terms. Andrea Story, the board’s vice president, is seeking a fourth term on the board this year.

Choate praised both Story and fellow member Phyllis Carlson, the two other school board incumbents eligible for reelection this year.

“They’re solid and very committed to Juneau’s kids,” said Choate.

While Choate is not running for office himself this year, he left the door open for a possible future run and encouraged more people to get involved.

“I’m familiar with the process, and I think it’s great, and I think more people should do it,” Choate said.

As of Thursday evening, the Alaska Public Offices Commission listed only Story as having filed a letter of intent to run for school board in Juneau.

The candidate filing period for the CBJ begins this morning. Candidates who wish to run for either school board or Assembly must submit nominating petitions by Aug. 13 to appear on the October ballot.

• Contact reporter Mark D. Miller at 523-2279 or at mark.d.miller@juneauempire.com.