An informational session about Austin School District’s Levy Referendum Monday evening was poorly attended.

Only three members of the public showed up at Superintendent David Krenz’s presentation in the Ellis Middle School Cafeteria.

Faced with the slim turnout, all three attendees chose not to stay for the session.

As of one half hour after the scheduled starting time, the session was informally canceled. Krenz did stick around in case there were any later arrivals.

“I don’t think it’s ambivalence,” Krenz said of the low attendance.

“People are just busy,” he said. “And, it is tough to find them.”

The purpose of the session was to inform the public of the upcoming referendum, which is on the ballot Nov. 3, 2009.

The referendum asks residents to revoke two existing operating referendums (due to expire in 2010 and 2011) and replace them with one 10-year referendum, beginning with taxes payable in 2010.

Surveys have shown that most Austin residents are informed and understand the issues surrounding the referendum, Krenz said.

Only four percent of people were undecided on a recent survey, he said.

Krenz has given many presentations about the referendum, and there are several more scheduled.

Several school board members did attend the session.