Sacramento school board election still a nail-biter; 1 candidate leads by just 15 votes

Three races for seats on the Sacramento City Unified Board of Education remain too close to call after Sacramento County released a new batch of election results Friday.

The Sacramento City Teachers Association poured tens of thousands of dollars into two of the races, aiming to unseat incumbents after an eight-day strike shut down the district earlier this year.

But so far, the only union-backed candidate to come out as a leading vote-getter is Tara Jeane, a teacher, who is narrowly ahead of attorney Anna Molander Hermann with 51.4% of the vote.

“I am flooded with so much appreciation for all who have believed in and supported my campaign,” said Jeane. “When you decide you want to do more for your community, the relationships you build along the way are the best part of the journey. I am excited to see what the voters have decided and know that SCUSD, Area 1 is ready to move forward with a new board member.”

Jeane and Hermann are looking to replace incumbent Lisa Murawski, who did not seek reelection for Area 1, representing Land Park and midtown.

Win or lose, Hermann said, she plans to continue to do the work necessary to ensure children have the resources they need to build a brighter future.

“This has been truly such an amazing journey,” said Hermann. “No matter the outcome, we learned that Sacramentans care deeply about our schools.”

In Area 2, covering East Sacramento and Tahoe Park, incumbent Trustee Leticia Garcia is ahead of Jasjit Singh, a nonprofit director who was backed by the teachers union.

Garcia leads by just 15 votes as of Friday. She has 3,573 votes to Singh’s 3,558.

“It’s a very close race. We are very proud of our positive and uplifting campaign. It is clear that people want change, and we hope the final tally goes in our favor,” said Singh.

In Area 6, covering Pocket/Greenhaven and parts of South Land Park, newcomer Taylor Kayatta challenged Darrel Woo, a three-term trustee incumbent.

Kayatta, a state attorney and an active parent in the school district, became a vocal advocate for teachers during their strike last school year.

Woo as of Friday has the edge in the race for Area 6 as he leads with 50.9% of votes tallied in his favor.

“Race is very close, but I am ahead,” said Woo. “I’m hoping to keep that lead.”