Littleton Public Schools followed the lead of four other metro school districts and canceled board elections this year for lack of contested races.

The decision was made official at a Sept. 3 Board of Education meeting.

Adams 12, Aurora, Cherry Creek and Commerce City boards have voted to cancel their Nov. 3 elections.

“I think it’s a challenging time to be a board member,” said School Board Member Lucie Stanish, citing the state’s financial crisis as a possible reason for lack of interested candidates this year.

“But our district is working well together to make the best of it.”

With a roller coaster of a year behind them, including massive budget cuts and school closures, Stanish says the board is concerned about the financial situation and how it will impact Littleton Public Schools and all districts in coming years.

“It really shows their character,” Stanish said about incumbents Bob Colwell, Sue Chandler and Renee Howell returning for another term. “These people have been involved in the district for a long time. They’re dedicated volunteers.”

In nearby Douglas County, however, races are heating up.

With the recent resignation of Superintendent Jim Christensen, Douglas County’s school board has a great deal to decide about the district’s future.

Four of the district’s seven school board seats are up for grabs and candidates are starting to introduce themselves to the community.

Board elections also will be held in Jefferson County, Boulder Valley, Westminster, St. Vrain, Englewood and Brighton.

According to the National School Boards Association, members tend to spend about 25 hours per month on board business, and those in large districts spend 20 or more hours a week on board activities.