Early voting shows a close race between two candidates for the Merced Superintendent of Schools race, with Ana Boyenga in the lead.
Both candidates vying for the seat have spent time in school district administration. Lopez currently serves as superintendent of the Merced River Union Elementary School District in Winton, while Boyenga is assistant superintendent at Atwater Elementary School District.
Unofficial results showed Boyenga in the lead, with 51.06% of the vote, and Lopez trailing behind at 48.94%. Boyenga spoke to The Merced FOCUS shortly after first results rolled in around 8 p.m.
“The results are looking very encouraging, and while they’re not quite final because we still have more results, I am filled with gratitude and confidence that so many people placed in me,” Boyenga said. “It’s just really overwhelming.”
Boyenga highlighted her focus on literacy and her hopes for students to be able to read by the third grade because “reading just builds on everything.”
Lopez did not respond to an attempt to reach him Tuesday night.
Earlier this year, The Merced FOCUS and KVPR reported Lopez’s school district was referred by the Merced County Office of Education to the state Fiscal Crisis & Management Team (FCMAT) on an allegation of “misappropriation of funds.” Lopez fired back in June that the referral was intended as a “smear campaign.”
Lopez received the most votes of the four candidates in the primary election, advancing to the November runoff. Boyenga was a close second.
The superintendent position is currently held by Steve Tietjen who was first appointed in 2016 before winning election. The Merced County Office of Education serves as a support system for school districts in the county, providing assistance in special education, enrichment activities and support for school districts.
California has until Dec. 11 to certify election results.
Boyenga draws strong support for leadership
Several supporters suggested Boyenga’s integrity when mentioning why they voted for her Tuesday night.
“I’ve supported Ana from day one,” said Sandy Schiber, a former superintendent of Atwater Elementary School District. “There was actually a group of us that were talking [about who] could replace our current [superintendent], and her name kept surfacing.”
Every time Boyenga advanced into another position, Schiber said, she made the school or district better.
Cristina Vara, the president of the local MCOE teachers union, was also enthusiastic about Boyenga’s potential to win.
“As a woman and a woman in politics, I like to see a woman representing our highest office of the county office, and I’m really looking forward to working with her under her leadership,” Vara said.
Kenra Bragonier, a retired local business owner, said she was staying optimistic as results rolled in.
“I know the time that Ana put in all over the county in walking precincts and just doing what she should be doing to get people to know her and feel comfortable voting for her,” Bragonier said.