The field of candidates for Lawrence school board expanded Friday with the unexpected filing by incumbent Sue Morgan.

Morgan considered passing on a re-election bid because of health concerns involving extended family, but said her desire to improve public education and her commitment to the board’s proposed $59 million bond issue for school construction pulled her into the race.

“Why run when the budget is bleak? Why run when controversy is high?” she said. “Because I believe with every fiber of my being that the most important thing we can do as a society is give every child a safe, healthy, educated start in life.”

Morgan, 52, is business administrator at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence.

She became the sixth person to enter the race, which includes two other incumbents. The filing deadline is noon Tuesday. Voters go to the polls April 1 to select four board members and decide fate of the bond issue.

Morgan served as board president in 2001-2002, leading the board through $3.1 million in student fee increases and program cuts.

She voted for the first phase of a long-term facilities plan that includes $59 million in school construction and closure of three elementary schools.

Opposition to the bond issue in the community is evident, she said.

“I believe that those who will take the time to listen and get answers to their questions will realize the value and benefit this proposal will have for children of this district for years to come,” Morgan said.

She said facility improvements would help the district meet class-size goals, recruit and retain teachers and meet federal and state education mandates.

Others who have filed are Samuel Gould, Mary Loveland, Scott Morgan, Ron Powell and Cindy Yulich. Gould said he would withdraw after questions about his criminal background surfaced.

Douglas County District Court records don’t indicate any of the other candidates have criminal records.

Jack Davidson is the only board incumbent who doesn’t plan to seek re-election in April.