Did teacher strike shake up Sac City Unified election? Here’s who’s ahead in early results
Voters in the Sacramento City Unified School District tonight are deciding three seats on the Board of Education, just seven months after a teacher and staff strike shut down class for eight days.
The Sacramento City Teachers Association poured tens of thousands of dollars into two of the races, aiming to unseat incumbents.
But so far, the only union-backed candidate with a lead is competing for an open seat with no incumbent on the ballot. Tara Jeane, who was endorsed by the teacher’s union, holds a slight lead against opponent Anna Molander Hermann. Jeane, a teacher, had 50.5% of the vote in Sacramento County’s first release of results.
“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.
In Area 2, covering East Sacramento and Tahoe Park, incumbent Trustee Leticia Garcia holds 52% of the votes in her race against Jasjit Singh, a nonprofit director who was backed by the teachers union.
In Area 6, covering Pocket/Greenhaven and parts of South Land Park, newcomer Taylor Kayatta trails Darrel Woo.
Kayatta is a state attorney and an active parent in the school district, who became a vocal advocate for teachers during their strike last school year. Woo has held the seat the previous three terms. He leads with 55% of votes counted.
The winning candidates will join Chinua Rhodes, Christina Pritchett, Jamee Villa and Lavinia Grace Phillips on the board.
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 9:03 PM.
