Unofficial election results this week show Renee Cavanaugh and Fitzhugh Lee significantly leading in polls for the two open Coronado Unified School District trustee seats.
Cavanaugh, a retired educator who is the only incumbent seeking reelection, and Lee, a retired naval aviator and CUSD parent, had each garnered more than 3,900 votes as of Nov. 15. Cavanaugh has remained the leading candidate at just over 31% with Lee following close behind at just over 29%.
Cavanaugh and Lee shared their thoughts on unofficial election results so far and their plans as trustees for the next four years.
“I feel honored and humbled that so many Coronado voters feel confident in my ability as a trustee,” said Cavanaugh on Nov 7.
“I’m deeply honored to have been selected to fill one of the two open seats … and am immensely grateful to everyone who supported my campaign,” wrote Lee in a Nov. 12 statement.
Shawnee Barton Merriman, a mom of four Coronado Unified students, and Bill Sandke, a former Coronado City Council member, told The Coronado News they conceded. The County Registrar plans to report final certified results by Dec. 5.
“Congratulations to Renee and Fitz,” said Barton Merriman in a statement last week. “I wish them the best of luck. I’m grateful for the friendliness they’ve each shown me. We are lucky that people with so much experience in their respective fields are willing to step up and serve our students.”
“It is clear from the results so far that the margin from third to second will not be made up so I strongly believe I will not prevail,” said Sandke in a statement issued Nov. 12. “I wish the board, especially front runner Renee, continued success and am hopeful Fitz will complement the board’s demonstrated teamwork displayed over the last two years.”
Trustee term plans
“I am glad that the campaigning and voting is over so that I can focus more on the important work for our school district,” said Cavanaugh.
Cavanaugh, a current board member and former president, shared plans for improving communication through her monthly office hours.
“I want to foster a culture of teamwork and trust within our district,” she said.
Lee, a self-described conservative, said he ran because he believes the district needs better governance.
“The biggest issue still facing the district is the budget,” Lee added. “I look forward to now being able to engage with the district officials not just as a concerned citizen but actually as an elected trustee who’s charged with actually helping to govern the direction of the district … I’m going to try to go the extra mile to be very communicative with the community and especially parents.”
