Austin Public Schools is opting out of primary elections for the foreseeable future.

The Austin Public Schools Board voted 4-1, with board member Don Leathers voting “no” and members Don Fox and Peggy Young absent, to do away primaries and simply have all candidates on the ballot in future November elections.

The discussion stemmed from a few issues, including primary costs and a fear that not enough people are following elections early when the filing period hits for races with primaries.

“This time of year, you probably don’t have people thinking about November election, at least local election,” said Director of Finance and Operations Mark Stotts, who recommended the change.

Had the board kept a primary, candidates would have filed from May 17 to 31. Now that a primary won’t be used, school board candidates will file Aug. 2 to 16.

Austin Public Schools will have three seats up this year, those of Don Leathers, Mary Jane Kestner and Richard Lees.

Before, if more than six people had filed, the district would have run a primary. However, Stotts said primaries have been rare in recent years, as they’re often hoping for more candidates to come forward.

Superintendent David Krenz noted the district will not turn away candidates; they’d simply all be on the ballot in the November general election, and the top three vote-getters would earn the seats.

Primaries are also expensive, as Stotts said it costs $12,000 to $15,000 to host primaries, which often just whittle the candidate field by one or two candidates.

“It is extra money if we do have to run a primary,” he said.

In light of other things going on around the district, Leathers said he didn’t think $12,000 to $15,000 was costly enough to outweigh the benefits that primaries can offer.

 Leathers voiced concerns about the change, stating he likes the American brand of politics that has fewer candidates on the ballot after primaries. He also voiced fears that the public may not know some of the candidate on the ballot and their views of, say, nine candidates are on the ballot.

Austin officials said only about 20 districts in Minnesota hold primaries.

Other board members noted that there would still be ample opportunities for the public to learn about candidates, their accomplishments and their views through the media and candidate forums hosted by various entities.

Leathers said the forums are an important opportunity for candidates to voice their views.

“They’re good,” he said. “They’re good to have.”