Monday's recount of those votes, as requested by trailing candidate Thomas James Burke, left the difference unchanged, leaving Midvale accountant Monte L. Millerberg the victor.

The result marked the end of a close race few predicted in a precinct with only three candidates. In the June 24 election for new board members of the east- and west-side Jordan school districts, many thought the race for east-side Jordan Precinct 3, which slated 15 candidates, would produce the closest results.

"It really is a sign that every vote counts, but I've known that for a long time," said Salt Lake County Clerk Sherri Swenson. "Votes count especially in jurisdictions this small with a small turn-out."

Official recount results including all provisional and outstanding absentee ballots gave Burke 431 votes to Millerberg's 440, unchanged from a July 1 canvas report.

The four members of the new west-side board and three members of the new east-side board, which by law will merge with members of the district's original board, will be sworn in July 15. The east-side board's first order of business will hiring a new superintedent for the district, with an expected Aug.19 announcement of the finalist.

Monday's result was announced the day after West Jordan officials critical of the split met with Gov. Jon Huntsman to request that state lawmakers call a special session to re-examine the financial consequences of the division as it moves forward.

"The west side and east side have hired competent people, and we'll let the process work itself out," said Millerberg. "All that is out of my hands."

Burke wished the new board success, and said he hopes its members will address the need for new elementary school buildings to replace aging structures such as Midvale Elementary School on Center Street.