DURHAM — Two school board candidates vying for an at-large seat could be headed for a run-off, based on unofficial election results.

Candidates Jonathan R. Alston and Leigh Bordley ran neck-and-neck in today's election until Alston pulled ahead at the last minute with 36 percent of the votes.

However, runner-up Bordley, who won 34.5 percent of the votes, may request a run-off because so far, Alston has not gained more than 40 percent of the total votes cast for the office.

The Durham County Board of Elections will finalize election results in a week, after provisional ballots are counted, said Director Mike Ashe.

Bordley said she is prepared to challenge Alston again.

“I really feel confident about a runoff,” she said.

Bordley has until May 15 to request a run-off, which would take place June 24.

Alston, Bordley and former teacher Nancy Cox, who won 28.8 percent of the turnout, were competing for the seat of current Vice Chairman Steve Schewel, who will leave in June.

While Bordley won the most numerous political endorsements, Alston credited his success to the key support of one group — the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People.

The candidate who wins will join unopposed incumbents Minnie Forte-Brown and Heidi H. Carter. Forte-Brown currently serves as chairwoman of the board.

Unlike most other contests on today's ballot, the school board race is not a party primary but a nonpartisan general election; the winners will take office in July.

Alston, who works for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ran unsuccessfully for Durham mayor in 2003 and 2005.

Bordley had the backing of a critical player — the exiting vice chairman, Schewel.