Incumbent Homero Mejia leads in Modesto school board race Area 6

Early unofficial results from Stanislaus County show incumbent Modesto City Schools board member Homero Mejia leading his opponents, Rueth Velez-Langrock and Sebastian Jones. The most recent update from the Stanislaus County elections office, at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, shows Mejia with 2,095 votes, or 53%.

Velez-Langrock has 954 votes, or 24.3%. Jones has 879 votes, or 22.3%.

"I'm really optimistic of the work that we put in," Mejia said. "We hope that the results continue to be positive."

So far, 26% of vote by mail ballots have been counted.

The west Modesto area includes Modesto High School, Mark Twain Middle School and Franklin Elementary.

Mejia currently serves on the board and has been endorsed by the Modesto Teachers Association and North Valley Labor Federation.

Velez-Langrock works as a facilitator for teen moms at Modesto High School, Downey High School and Elliott Alternative Education Center. She also worked as a counselor for high-risk youth in Patterson Unified School District and as a substitute teacher in Modesto City Schools.

On her candidate website, she said she is concerned with inappropriate materials in schools, involving more parent participation and enforcing strict anti-bullying policies.

Mejia believes facilities at Modesto City Schools are a big issue with its fourth bond measure in the last six years on the ballot.

This seven-member body oversees city schools' policies, curricula, budget and staffing. Board members will be sworn into office at the school board meeting on Dec. 16.

Bee reporter Trevor Morgan contributed to this report.