URGENT UPDATE: Rochester Public Schools is poised to make a groundbreaking decision that could reshape its school board election process. In a meeting held on February 3, 2023, school officials discussed eliminating the need for primary elections, allowing all candidates to compete directly in the general election scheduled for November.
Board Chairwoman Cathy Nathan emphasized the importance of this potential change. “Having a general election without a primary would bring consistency to school board elections,” she stated. This move aims to clarify the voting process for residents, ensuring that all candidates and seats appear on the same ballot during the November general elections.
Currently, Rochester Public Schools operates under a system where primary elections are held if more than two candidates vie for any of the seven board positions. This has been the practice since 2010. Nathan argued that abolishing the primaries could lead to several advantages, including reducing costs associated with hosting a primary election and relieving candidates from the burden of campaigning twice.
Rochester is notably one of only seven districts out of over 300 statewide that still conduct primary elections, raising questions about the efficiency and necessity of the current system. Board member Justin Cook voiced his support for the proposal but also called for a broader reevaluation of how the school board’s positions are structured.
Rochester employs an “alley” system, where candidates select specific seats to contest, as opposed to a direct competition for votes among all candidates. Cook described the current system as “incredibly confusing” and “not intuitive,” suggesting it allows for potential manipulation and undermines the democratic process.
The school board will vote on this pivotal proposal at its next meeting, and the outcome could significantly impact how future elections are conducted in Rochester. As discussions unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments, which could set a precedent for other districts facing similar election structures.
Residents and candidates are urged to weigh in on this significant proposal, as it stands to affect the future of local governance. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated—Rochester Public Schools is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will resonate throughout the community.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!
