URGENT UPDATE: Rochester Public Schools is poised to make a significant change that could reshape the electoral landscape for its school board. During a meeting on February 3, 2023, the Board discussed a proposal to eliminate primary elections for school board positions, allowing all candidates to compete directly in the general election this November.
Cathy Nathan, the Board Chairwoman, emphasized the potential benefits of this shift, stating, “Having a general election without a primary would bring consistency to school board elections.” This change aims to provide a clear message to voters: all school board candidates and seats will be on the ballot during the November general election, streamlining the voting process.
Currently, Rochester School Board elections require a primary if more than two candidates are vying for a single seat. Since 2010, this has been the norm, but Nathan argues that eliminating the primary could reduce costs and simplify the electoral process. “It would save money and time for candidates who currently campaign for both the primary and the general elections,” she added.
Rochester is among just seven out of more than 300 school districts in the state that still hold primary elections, making this proposal a noteworthy development. The Board plans to vote on this proposal at its next meeting, sparking discussions about the future of governance within the district.
In a related discussion, board member Justin Cook expressed a desire for broader changes to the electoral system itself. Rochester employs an “alley” system, where candidates select specific seats to run for rather than competing for votes in a more straightforward manner. Cook criticized this system as “incredibly confusing” and detrimental to democracy, calling for a reevaluation of how school board positions are configured.
The urgency of these discussions reflects a growing concern among board members about the clarity and fairness of the election process. With the next meeting approaching, stakeholders and the community are closely watching to see how these potential changes will unfold.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Board’s vote on this proposal could fundamentally alter how school board elections are conducted in Rochester. Community members and potential candidates will be eager to see the outcome, which could set a precedent for other districts in the state. As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed about how these changes might impact their local governance.
This is a critical moment for Rochester Public Schools as it navigates the complexities of electoral reform. The decision made in the upcoming meeting could resonate beyond the district, influencing how school boards operate across the region. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
