In Modesto City Schools board races, incumbents likely to hold their seats

In early unofficial election results Tuesday night, the incumbents were leading in two races for seats on the Modesto City Schools board. Another race has a strong leader, and one seat, for Area 3, was uncontested.

The Area 1 contest has incumbent Cindy Marks defeating challenger Nefi Lopez, a Realtor endorsed by the Modesto Teachers Association. With the first update on mail-in ballots, Marks has 2,931 votes, or 57.6%, to Lopez's 2,156, or 42.4%

Marks has served on the Board of Education since 1997, representing Area 1 for more than two decades.

She said her next term will include the following priorities: Student achievement and student learning in a safe, supportive environment; district stability amid Modesto Teachers Association contract negotiations and a fair and sustainable contract; and a strong, effective board that works collaboratively with the superintendent while asking questions, providing appropriate oversight and keeping students at the center of every decision.

Area 3

Stephanie Poulsen, a part-time substitute teacher, was unopposed. Incumbent Chad Brown did not seek reelection.

Area 5

Area 5 incumbent Jolene Daly also did not seek reelection. Those vying for the seat are Debra L. Brady, a retired pastor and Modesto Rotary Club board member, and Michelle Tomlinson, a community volunteer who has spent time on school site councils, English learner advisory councils, and parent engagement and outreach committees.

Early unofficial results have Tomlinson leading with 2,504 votes, or 51.7%, to Brady's 2,343, or 48.3%.

If elected, Tomlinson has she said her priorities would include formal school safety plans and transparency concerning the curriculum and the metrics utilized to evaluate student success and the standards implemented for measuring success programs. plans.

Area 7

Incumbent Adolfo Lopez has a strong lead against challenger Fabiola Garcia. Of the updated mail-in ballot count, he has 1,004 votes, or 58.5%, to Garcia's 713, or 41.5%.

If he retains his seat, Lopez has said his priorities will include:

• Academic achievement. Recognizing student success is about more than test scores or graduation rates

• A-G completion and college readiness, strengthen support for English learners, and expand career technical education, internships, and career-connected learning

• Stronger social-emotional supports, mentorship opportunities, early intervention, and partnerships that help students feel safe, valued, connected and ready to learn.

• Strengthening two-way communication with families, creating more opportunities for parent engagement and education, and ensuring educators have a strong voice in decisions that directly affect their classrooms and students.