Rhonda Veugen is the newest member of the School Committee, after a recount of votes Saturday determined that she won the seat over opponent Lynne Burroughs by just seven votes.

Burroughs requested a recount of all six precincts after Veugen won the April 6 election by only ten votes. According to the final tally on Saturday, Veugen received 1,747 votes to Burrough's 1,740. There were 522 blank ballots and seven write-ins for the School Committee.

"I am so very happy that I can start working with the School Board for the children of Wareham," Veugen said. "I'm here to work very hard for everyone."

Veugen said she thanks the volunteers who supported her during the recount, as well as Town Clerk Mary Ann Silva and Burroughs.

It took more than three hours to recount and tally all the votes by hand. Each candidate was allowed two people to stand with them during the process and two people to watch each precinct be recounted.

"This whole process was truly fascinating," Burroughs said. She did not immediately wish to comment further on the results.

Veugen was sworn in shortly after the result was determined. She replaces 15-year School Committee member Robert Brousseau, who did not seek re-election.

"My heart is finally out of my stomach," Veugen said. "And I can finally stop holding my breath."