Incumbents lead in Encinitas school district race, Viskanta has the edge in San Dieguito’s Area 1

While the results are not yet official, the San Dieguito Union School District is poised to have three new trustees join the board next month following the results of the November election.

In San Dieguito’s Area 1, which represents Encinitas, Rimga Viskanta took a large lead over challenger David Carattini. The new trustee will fill the seat vacated by President Mo Muir.

Viskanta previously served on the Encinitas Union School District board until 2020. She is a parent to an Oak Crest Middle School seventh grader and two San Dieguito Academy graduates. Currently she is the senior management analyst for the City of Solana Beach.

In San Dieguito’s Trustee Area 3, Jane Lea Smith has pulled ahead with a significant lead over Sheila King. The new trustee will fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Melisse Mossy and represent the communities of Cardiff, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe.

Smith, a Del Mar resident, currently serves as vice president of administration for the Canyon Crest Academy Foundation. She is a former special education teacher and school administrator.

In San Dieguito’s Area 5, a tight race unfolded between Phan Anderson and the incumbent trustee Julie Bronstein, with Anderson taking over the top spot. Area 5 represents the communities of Pacific Highlands Ranch and Carmel Valley.

Anderson, a parent and immigrant from Vietnam, worked as a private-sector software engineer for 15 years. She looks to unseat Bronstein, who was elected to the board last year in a special election.

In the Encinitas Union School District, a crowded race of six candidates vied for three seats and the three incumbents Emily Andrade, Marla Strich and Raquel Pfeifer carried the day.

Andrade, a former principal in the district for 17 years, has been on the school board for the last 12 years, currently serving as its president. Strich is a longtime board member, having served the district for 24 years, since 1998.

Pfeifer, was appointed as a trustee in August, filling the seat of trustee Gregg Sonken, who died in June. She is a product of the Encinitas Union School, District and parent to two children in the district.

For all results, go to sandiegouniontribune.com, sdvote.com or see below: