Central Kitsap School District Board of Directors candidate Rob MacDermid has announced he is supporting his opponent Mark Gaines in the upcoming election.

“The decision for me was intuitive,” MacDermid said. “I think I would be a good board member, but I think he would be a bit better.”

As the ballots have already been printed and sent to voters, MacDermid is unable to officially withdraw from the race, but said watching Gaines over the last two weeks made him realize they agree on virtually every issue.

“He has a real command of the important issues,” MacDermid said. “I have been involved with the schools in the past, but his current activity impressed me.”

MacDermid said the school board should vote on recommendations brought to them by the administration, and their main function should be assuring all parties involved are given a chance to give input.

“The key is to assure everyone is heard,” he said.

Last week, MacDermid said he would come to the board position — which is being vacated by Carl Johnson — “with an open mind and without any agenda.” In a letter sent Tuesday afternoon, he said he thinks Gaines brings that same philosophy.

“I sense that Mr. Gaines would follow the same approach that I would,” he said.

MacDermid also offers thanks to his supporters and said he hopes they understand his decision.

“To those who may have supported or voted for me, I thank you,” he said. “If I have let you down or disappointed you, I am sorry. But, this is not about me. It is about our kids!”