15 more ballots, same margin; School board results remain.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Bob Kievra

WORCESTER - Provisional ballots counted yesterday left the School Committee race where it started, with Mary J. Mullaney holding a two-vote lead over challenger Donna M. Colorio.

Election Commission staff yesterday opened 15 provisional ballots from Tuesday's election. Among the 15, Ms. Colorio gained two votes and Mrs. Mullaney gained two votes. The other 11 ballots contained no votes for either Ms. Colorio or Mrs. Mullaney.

Mrs. Mullaney, a nine-term incumbent, gained her votes from ballots cast in Ward 3, Precinct 4. Ms. Colorio picked up a vote in Ward 6, Precinct 2 and one in Ward 9, Precinct 3.

Ms. Colorio, who was present for the opening of the ballots, said she was considering requesting a recount of the tally, which now stands at 6,755 to 6,753.

"I've been teaching this for 20 years - how important it is to vote," said Ms. Colorio, a sociology professor at Quinsigamond Community College.

Mrs. Mullaney said she would likely not seek a recount unless her margin of victory somehow changes.

"I'm assuming (Ms. Colorio) would seek a recount," Mrs. Mullaney said.

She said she was not inclined to hire a lawyer but would talk with friends and election officials before next Friday, the deadline to request a recount.

Mrs. Mullaney's two-vote lead has her in line for the sixth and final spot on the School Committee. The five top finishers were incumbents Brian A. O'Connell, Jack L. Foley, Dianna L. Biancheria, John F. Monfredo and Tracy O'Connell Novick. The mayor serves as the seventh member and chairman of the committee.

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