by Jarret Liotta

WESTPORT — Without explanation, nor comments from party officials, Republican Karen Kleine announced Friday morning that she will no longer seek reelection to the Board of Education, where she has most recently been serving as vice chair.

“After much thought, I’ve decided not to run for reelection for the Board of Education this November,” she said, offering no other comment.

Party members are mum after having endorsed Kleine for reelection at the end of July, along with candidates Dorie Hordon and Robert Harrington.

GOP Chair Joseph Sledge did not respond to a request for comment.

Kleine, a former Coleytown Elementary School PTA president, was first elected to the board in 2013, where she defined herself as a studious technician leading the BOE’s Policy Committee and generally voicing opinions beyond party lines.

She has also been very active at the state level, serving on the board of directors for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, as well as president of the Cooperative Educational Services Representative Council.

A parent and dedicated activist, she has also served with a variety of local organizations, including The Westport Library and Temple Israel.

Klein, who is the current president of the Westport Woman’s Club, is also past president of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.

The current Board of Education is scheduled to undergo several other personnel changes with November’s election, with Republican Jeannie Smith having decided not to run again.

Smith would not comment on Kleine’s decision, nor state whether or not she would consider staying on the board.

Hordon did not respond to a request for comment.

Harrington said he was not aware of her decision earlier in the day and reserved comment for a later date.

Democratic BOE Chair Candice Savin is currently running for the Board of Selectmen, and so could potentially leave it as well.

Veteran Democrat Elaine Whitney, likewise, will not be seeking reelection this year.