The Austin Public School board is starting the year with some new officers.

Jeff Kritzer is the new board chairman, Don Fox is vice-chairman, Kathy Green is the clerk and Greg Larson is the treasurer.

Kritzer was elected chairman with a 5-2 vote after board member Aaron Keenan nominated him, though he had to compete with Fox, who was nominated by board member Dick Lees.

“It’s going to be an exciting year for the district,” Kritzer said.

Larson, who is serving his first term, was unanimously elected treasurer.

“For a numbers guy, it’s right up my alley,” Larson said.

Larson, new member Angie Goetz and Kritzer each said the board’s biggest priority is overseeing the new school’s development, from its construction to its staffing, which will begin this summer. Austin voters approved in November a $28.9 million referendum for a new fifth- and sixth-grade school and expansion at Woodson Kindergarten Center.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities that we have with the new building,” Goetz said.