SAN ANTONIO – Following weeks of speculation and criticism, San Antonio Independent School District superintendent finalist Dr. Manuel Isquierdo has officially withdrawn his name for consideration, according to Board President Ed Garza.
In a letter addressed to the "SAISD community" obtained by KSAT 12, Garza said Isquierdo told him of his decision at 2:30 p.m. on Friday "saying that he believed this was in the best interest of all parties involved."
Isquierdo at a media event on Thursday was forced to defend some of the concerns raised over his past, including owing the IRS more than $152,000 dollars in back due taxes and being named in three liens in two different states since 2009.
Isquierdo has been superintendent of the Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Ariz., since July 2007.
During his time in Arizona, Isquierdo was also cited for multiple traffic violations, including running a red light, speeding and driving with a suspended license.
SAID has been helmed by Dr. Sylvester Perez since March 2012 after former Superintendent Dr. Robert Duron resigned on Feb. 20, 2012.