BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) -- With Election Day now behind us, the Lamont Elementary School District is still awaiting the final tally to see who will join their board.
Eyewitness News spoke with the two top candidates vying for the role.
Elizabeth Cisneros, a longtime Lamont resident, has dedicated 18 years to the community, working part-time as a family service employee in the Early Head Start Department for CAP-K.
As a mother with children in the district, she says her experience and connection with local families inspired her to run. Cisneros aims to bring her background to the board, with a special focus on supporting children with special needs and expanding sports programs.
"I'm excited to work with all my colleagues and board members. I feel very thankful to the community who supported me and are in this with me. I cannot express my gratitude enough for their votes," said Cisneros.
Cisneros also emphasized her commitment to improving school safety.
"I am very concerned about always being safe. My girls attend school in this district, and I do think we need to focus more on their safety, especially at Mountain View Middle School. I would love to bring that support and talk to other board members," she added.
The second candidate is current board president, Ernesto Garay, who is seeking re-election. Garay, a former student in the district himself, has spent years advocating for the community.
"I am running for re-election to continue advocating for educational services for our students. They trust me because I've always been here for our community," said Garay.
Garay highlighted a new initiative he's spearheading: a telehealth program allowing students to access medical care.
"We've established a telehealth program in all our schools. Now, any student can visit their school site and see a doctor before going to class."
As votes continue to be counted, the district eagerly awaits the final results to see who will help shape the future of education in Lamont.
If Cisneros and Garay continue lead in the vote count, both will be able to serve on the board.
The final vote count needs to be certified by the state in December.