The final, unofficial result on May 2 was 1,320 no votes to 1,314 yes votes.
The district is mostly in Preble County - where the tax issue passed by 28 votes - but includes small parts of Montgomery and Butler counties, where it failed.
RELATED: Preble Shawnee levy losing by tiny margin; recount next
Hans said the tally in Montgomery County was 8 yes and 31 no votes, and in Butler County 1 yes and 12 no votes.
“It was the overlap counties that defeated (it),” said Hans, noting that recounts are rare in the county.
Revenue from the combination 2.5 mill bond issue and 0.75 percent income tax would have paid to replace a 1982 high school and two elementary buildings, parts of which are 80 to 100 years old. One new elementary school would have been build in Camden and a middle/high school on the existing site of the district’s schools.
School Superintendent Matt Bishop is doubtful a recount to flip the results. He said the issue would be discussed by the school board in June to decide if the district should ask voters to approve a tax issue in November.
“Six votes. I’m not sure if that means there will be a dramatic change to the plan or if you just move forward with the same plan since it was so close,” Bishop said.
Preble Shawnee’s earlier effort to get the combined issue approved was rejected by a 53-47 percent ratio in November.
RELATED: 24 tax levies on May ballot across the region
