Challenger Announces Candidacy For Area 7 Seat of Elk Grove Unified School District

July 18, 2016 |

A challenger for the Area 7 seat on the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees announced his candidacy.

In a press release issued today, district and Vintage resident Nikita Kostyuk said he intends to file papers to run against incumbent Carmine Forcina, who was first elected to the board of trustees in 2012. Kostyuk said he intends "to run an aggressive campaign and actively reach out to parents and voters in the district."

“I have grown up around Elk Grove my entire life,” Kostyuk said. “It would be an honor and a privilege to give back to my community through public service. I know that I can bring a unique and fresh perspective to the board and affect positive change in my local school district.”

A graduate of Sacramento State, Kostyuk, 21, hold a Bachelor's Degree in government. He currently works as a substitute teacher for Bradshaw Christian School, where he attended high school, and helps his father with their family owned trucking business.

One of Kostyuk's supporters is Elk Grove resident Barbara Sloan who said he could inject energy into the EGUSD board.  “Nikita brings a new vision to the school district and would inject some new blood and energy among the trustees,” Sloan said. 

According to his website, Kostyuk supports the formation of charter schools. The website says, "The school board should encourage more of these schools and cut red tape to make it easier for parents, citizens, and organizations to start and maintain them. These schools provide a wonderful opportunity for more choice and freedom for parents and teachers in our education system."

The Area 7 seat is the largest geographical in the EGUSD and includes portions of unincorporated areas of Sacramento County and the City of Rancho Cordova.