All that was put aside Tuesday, however, as residents of the district's east-west divide went to the polls to select members of two new school boards set to take office next month.
In the district's west side, according to unofficial returns, Carmen R. Freeman, an accountant and paralegal, won the Precinct 1 seat. Rick Bojak, a retired teacher from the Jordan district and national motivational speaker, secured Precinct 4, while teacher Richard S. Osborn snagged Precinct 5.
Leah Voorhies, a psychologist and director of Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, emerged in Precinct 6.
In Jordan's new east district, Monte L. Millerberg edged out Thomas James Burke by 10 votes in Precinct 1, according to the unofficial returns. Burke said he would consult his family before requesting a vote recount.
"I'm kind of leaning that way," he said.
Kevin Craig Cromar, a retired computer-industry specialist and chairman of Cottonwood Heights Historical Committee, climbed to the top of his 15 competitors in Precinct 3 to clinch Tuesday's most competitive race.
Paul J. McCarty, a college professor and school district administrator, won the east-side district's Precinct 7.
On the west side, Freeman differs from his new board colleagues in that he has no prior experience in education, but said a survey of his neighborhood motivated his candidacy.
"Forty-two percent of the population in my precinct area are 18 years of age or younger," Freeman said. "Our number one challenge will be growth, and how to get funds appropriated in the best manner."
Despite the large slate of candidates, Tuesday's vote was final, not preliminary. The district's west side whittled 20 candidates to four board seats. Jordan's east side chose from 25 candidates for three board seats.
As arranged by state law, members of the district's existing seven-member board will merge with members of the new east and west district boards of education for one year, while also serving out their final terms as members of the original board.
bfulton@sltrib.com
Jordan school districts results Final election returns in Jordan school districts' races (no primary runoffs held).
JORDAN DISTRICT
(WEST SIDE)
Precinct 1 (4 years)
Angela Davis 207
x-Carmen R. Freeman 642
Mick Shannon 376
Clyde P. Smith 172
Precinct 4
Gordon Bartlome 167
x-Rick Bojak 607
Julia R. Dawson 169
Jamie D. Gordon 186
Jay R. Graft 70
Linda Plouzek 332
Precinct 5
Nellie H. Christensen 202
Steven A. Christensen 294
x-Richard S. Osborn 639
Michael E. Walters 212
Precinct 6
Sue Dickey 511
Kit Erickson 65
Robert F. Kaggie 31
Carla Kulinsky 93
Donald L. Porter 125
x-Leah Voorhies 559
NEW JORDAN DISTRICT
(EAST SIDE)
Precinct 1
Thomas James Burke 420
x-Monte L. Millerberg 430
Lynette Phillips 320
Precinct 3
Sandy Brunnenmeyer 21
Jerry S. Christensen 290
x-Kevin Craig Cromar 776
Teresa Curtis 284
Martha Heiskell 91
Debra H. Hunter 160
Randy Johnson 334
John Cannon Josephson 24
Chet D. Linton 261
Allan R. Nelson 75
Clay Pearce 144
Brandon Sheppard 27
Raelynn Swenson 89
Mel Thomson 166
Julie B. Tikalsky 113
Precinct 7
Tracy Bennett 94
Steve Chambers 287
x-Paul J. McCarty 352
Linda "Lyn" Pappas 59
William R. Rappleye 124
Tony J. Rivas 11
