Two four-year term seats on the school board of the Coronado Unified School District are open in the 2024 election cycle.
The candidate filing period began on July 15 and will continue through August 9, according to San Diego County’s candidate schedule.
The open seats in Coronado Unified are currently held by Whitney Antrim and Renee Cavanaugh.
Cavanaugh announced she is seeking re-election on July 16 and is the only candidate for CUSD listed online as of July 24. Antrim has not disclosed any plans for re-election at this time.
A list of candidates became available on July 18 at the Registrar of Voter’s website and will be updated daily, said the county.
A final list of qualified candidates will be determined after the Registrar, who administers the election on behalf of the school district, receives the certified list of candidates from the Secretary of State by August 29, according to the Registrar’s office.
The last day to register to vote in the November election is Monday, October 21, according to the City of Coronado website, and forms to register are available at the City Clerk’s Office at 1825 Strand Way, or from the Registrar’s office.
The county’s candidate filing guide lists specific qualifications for school governing board candidates, such as being a resident and registered voter of the school district. It also requires employees of a school district to resign before being sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of a district’s governing board.
Election day result updates are expected to be available on election night at sdvote.com, but are unofficial until completion of the official canvass.
The two winners are set to begin their terms on December 13.
Anyone interested in elective office may review the guide and contact the Registrar of Voters office at (858) 505-7260 for additional information.
Cavanaugh announces candidacy for 2024 school race
Cavanaugh, 57, a former teacher in the district, said she brings a unique perspective on issues facing students, teachers and staff.
“I have been honored to serve the students, families and community as a Coronado Unified School District School Board Trustee for the past two years,” wrote Cavanaugh in her reelection statement. “Serving as President of the Board allowed me an opportunity to further develop my leadership skills and to build collaborative working relationships.”
During her first year, following a swearing in with three other new trustees in 2022, Cavanaugh was appointed to board president and served in that role throughout 2023.
Cavanaugh stepped in to finish the term of a former Coronado trustee, Stacy Keszei, who resigned Jan. 11, 2022, according to a district letter submitted to The Coronado Times.
“My goals were to ensure our focus as a community remained steadfast on helping all students reach their potential and that we, as the adults who support those students, would come together with greater cooperation and unity,” Cavanaugh said.
Cavanaugh said she believes there has been progress across the district like board meetings that remain well attended by parents, students, teachers and staff. The tenor of discussions is more productive and cooperative, resulting in better addressing the issues of the school district, she added.
Before Cavanaugh stepped in for Keszei, CUSD had faced months-long division over a controversy involving the Coronado Boys Basketball team in 2021, including an Oct. 21 school board meeting which the Times reports ended abruptly.
Student achievement, improved attendance and a safe school environment are among district issues that Cavanaugh listed, who also said CUSD’s financial state is a big concern.
“I am proud of our district, and I am inspired by our students who engage in activism, who challenge their athletic abilities, who participate in artistic endeavors, who maintain a growth mindset, who foster an acceptance of others, and who strive for their own personal achievement,” added Cavanaugh. “I welcome the challenges and opportunities the next four years will bring, and will always advocate what is best for students.”
