Once again a challenger to a Fremont race garnered the most votes on election night.

Lara York edged current Fremont Unified School District Board of Education President Larry Sweeney as the top vote-getter Tuesday night.

York received 13,969 votes, 28.5 percent, electing her to the five-member board in a race for two seats.

Sweeney was elected to his third term on the board, netting 13,522 votes and 28 percent of the vote.

Newcomer Jonathan Simon had 7,241, or 15 percent vote for him, and Hiu Ng won 6,241 votes for 13 percent of the vote.

David Richards had 4,004 residents vote in his favor for 8.2 percent, and Ray Bilodeau had 3,892 for 8 percent of the vote.

This was York's first time running for Fremont's Board of Education, although she did apply for a seat last spring when longtime former boardmember Guy Emanuele stepped down due to health problems. Bryan Gebhardt was appointed to the seat, but on the condition that he would not run for election.

"I'm pleased," York said. "My team and I have been working for months to get this far and I've always wanted to represent the people of Fremont as best I can for the school district."

While she garnered the most votes in this race, York wanted to look past that and work as a team with the rest of the board.

"It's just a reflection that my team and I have worked very hard to reach out to the voters and get the message of what I want to accomplish out there," she said.

Sweeney said he and his camp were happy with the final results, and is looking forward to another four years on the board.

"We're happy with the results," he said. "Lara will bring added insight to the board and I look forward to working with her."

Challenger Simon extended congratulations to York and Sweeney, and was proud to be the runner-up in the election.

"This was my first time out, and I think it bodes well for me in future races," he said.

Simon said he will become more active in the Fremont community to help him in the next race.

"I will be getting more involved with the district, like joining more committees, as well as getting involved in more local issues," he said.

Richards said he does not plan on running again. "I tried to help and now I will move on," he said.

"The academic success of the Fremont non-GATE and non-honor students is spiraling down and violence in spiraling up," he added. "The results of this election will maintain the status quo. I have not heard any credible solutions to these problems from existing or newly elected school board members."

Richards sees a grim future for many of Fremont's students. He said he will continue to do all that he is allowed to help mitigate the problem.

Bilodeau and Ng could not be reached for comment.