Nyrell Melvin, a filed candidate for the Fayetteville mayoral race, has decided to drop out of the contested race to run for a spot on the Cumberland County Board of Education.

In a public statement, Melvin says that while he was running for mayor, he found himself at multiple school board meetings and saw parents ignored by the school board.

"I have seen parents left outside and refused the right to speak. I have seen parents ignored and shrugged off. I have done my best to speak on their behalf. They have contacted me. I have been thanked and encouraged by them. I have been told they did not feel heard until I spoke up for them," Melvin said. "I set out to serve God and help the citizens of Fayetteville. In doing so, I have found parents being denied the right to be actively involved in how and what their children are taught just because they are taught in public schools. The board of education is designed to serve parents and children while balancing their serves to teachers and staff. I believe they need help to do that again."

He is looking to run for the At-Large seat during the general election on Nov. 8. The filing deadline for this election is Aug. 5.

He says he believes the Mayor's Office will end up with proper leadership and spoke highly of mayorial candidate Freddie Delacruz.

Mayor Mitch Colvin, the incumbent candidate, will be running again for a third term in the upcoming primary elections. There are now four candidates who will be running against him. The candidates who filed for mayor are Clifton L. Johnson, Franco Webb, Antoine J. Miner and Delacruz.