Five newcomers and one incumbent are vying for two seats on Fremont Unified School District's Board of Education this November.

A few familiar faces in school circles are applying for the first time. Along with incumbent and current school board President Larry Sweeney, others looking for a spot on the five-member panel include candidates Lara York, Emile "Ray" Bilodeau, David Richards, Jonathan Simon and Hiu Ng.

York said she decided to run for a seat on the board because she wants to focus on ensuring student success, fiscal responsibility, safe schools and healthy choices for kids.

She said student success encompasses not only academic achievements, but the whole student.

York also wants to make sure the district spends the money it has wisely.

"It's been a tough last four years, and we're finally getting money from the state this year," she said. "We need to be smart about the money we have."

Additionally, York wants to make sure all 37 of the district's campuses are protected by the SAFE Schools initiative.

Recently, SAFE Schools came under fire from some parents, who claimed the measure would promote alternative lifestyles to students.

York said she sees the initiative differently.

"Safe schools to me, are free of drugs, gangs and harassment," she said. "But they are also attractive, well-maintained and well-built."

York, 37, applied for the seat vacated by Guy Emanuele earlier this year.

However, the seat was given to Bryan Gebhardt, who is not running because the board stipulated that the appointee would not be allowed to run.

The stipulation was made to give other Fremont residents a chance to run for the seat this year.

This is York's first time campaigning for a spot on the panel.

York has lived in Fremont since 1992 with her husband, Steve, and her two sons, who attend Fremont Unified schools.

She said she has been involved in the community for the last eight years, and believes that fact will help her win a seat on the board.

"Being involved not only in education, but the community area has made me understand how things work," York said. "I've spent a lot of time talking to parents and I know what their concerns are."

For instance, after the failure of a Fremont school district bond measure in 1998, York became concerned about the district's troubles and joined the Community Facilities Committee.

She began attending school board meetings, and has served on several district and other school-related committees, including the Health and Safety Bond Committee, School Site Council and the Parent Teachers Association, among others.

York is on the Financial Advisory Committee, and serves as a board member of the Fremont Education Foundation.

She has coordinated the foundation's After School Band Program, and has been a producer and host for the group's annual Music Telethon.

"I'm excited," York said of her campaign. "To me, this is a means to an end, and it's about the hard work ahead of us. I'm excited about being able to serve my community."