The Katy ISD board of trustees canvassed the May 7 board of trustees election results during a special board meeting May 18 and officially declared George Scott the winner of the position 1 election by three votes over 27-year incumbent Joe Adams.

After approving the canvass, board of trustees President Charles Griffin accepted a petition submitted by Adams asking for a recount of the vote—marking the first recount in KISD board of trustees election history.

The recount was scheduled for May 24, Katy ISD Director of Communications Denisse Cantu Coffman said. Official results of the vote recount were unavailable by Community Impact Newspaper press time on May 20.

Adams said on May 16 that he had filed the petition for a recount that morning, but had to wait until after the canvass to have his petition considered per state law with regard to election regulations. He also said he had tried to file the petition as early as May 10 but had to re-file it after being told by the district that there were errors in his submission.

Adams said his decision to ask for a recount request was not due to possible procedural errors during the election but that the number of mail-in votes was more of a factor.

“The primary ultimate factor is the fact that we have an unprecedented amount of ballots by mail, paper ballots by mail, and we just want to be sure that those ballots are accurate,” Adams said. “Absolutely I’m not suggesting anything is out of order as far as what the counting committee did on the night of the election. But I think when you have an election that is this close, with three votes separating you, I think it’s my right to do a recount, and I have made that decision to do that. I think it’s too close right now.”

Griffin had up to 48 hours after Adams’ recount petition was filed to ensure its validity. The district was required by state law to wait until after the canvass was approved to then announce the recount request and vote on whether to accept it or not.

“I am honored to have served with Joe for the last four years. He has done a great job leading this district and providing for our students,” Griffin said. “George Scott has been present at our interviews for a new superintendent. His participation has been limited as we await the final results of the election and the seating process. If he secures [a] position on the school board, we as a board look forward to his involvement in keeping the district a great place for our students and our community.”

Board of trustees Secretary Ashley Vann was chosen as the recount committee coordinator and supervisor.

State law mandates the committee be formed and the recount take place within seven business days and that Vann must give at least 18 hours. notice to both candidates as to when the recount will take place.

State law requires that Adams pay a $1,400 deposit for the recount—$100 for each of the 13 election-night precincts and another $100 for the early-voting precinct. If the result of the election changes and Adams becomes the winner, state law requires that the vote would have to be canvassed a second time.

Scott said he hopes the district ensures that all recount procedures are conducted in accordance with state law.

“This is not personal, but Katy ISD must dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’,” Scott said. “They must require of Joe everything that is statutorily required in requesting a recount. This is not about George, this is not about Joe. This is about the people of the state of Texas, the voters of the state of Texas, having confidence that the winner of an election is the winner of an election.”

Incumbent Rebecca Fox was officially declared the winner of the Position 2 seat at Wednesday’s meeting. Fox ran unopposed.