Board race too close to call

SANDUSKY — For Sandusky's school board, it's clear for at least one candidate who won. Regarding the other, it's a neck-to-neck race among the other three hopefuls. Here's what is known: Incumbent Martha Murray secured another four years in office, leaving Election Day as the top vote-getter among all four candidates, locking up nearly 30% of the total vote. Murray's experience on the school board dates back 14 years. During her time, she has worked with four superintendents, five treasurers and 10 different school board members. "I have learned many things from each encounter I have had during my time on the school board: to be patient, to speak up, to compliment in public and criticize in private and to try to accept criticism," Murray said. Regarding the race's other winner, it's too close to call between challenger Jennifer Ashburn, who received 1,495 votes; incumbent Jennifer Chapman, who obtained 1,491 votes; and challenger Talib Garrett, who secured 1,468 votes. In the coming days, election officials will tally up uncounted ballots, such as ones containing questions known as provisionals. After these votes are counted, if the margin between at least two of these candidates falls within one-half of 1%, then an automatic recount will occur, according to state law. As it stands today, the three other hopefuls will have to go through this process: Ashburn received 23.63% of the vote, countering Chapman's tally of 23.57% and Garrett's mark of 23.21%. Sandusky Schools board of education (top 2 win) • Martha Murray: 1,872 • Jennifer Ashburn: 1,495* • Jennifer Chapman: 1,491* • Talib Garrett: 1,468* *Recount possibly required Source: Erie County Board of Elections