ESUHSD unveils Districtr tool for community map and redistricting participation

Community engagement in districting took center stage at the East Side Union High School District's Special Board Meeting on May 20, 2025. The meeting highlighted the launch of a new online tool, Districtr, designed to empower residents to participate in the districting and redistricting process.

Attendees were introduced to the user-friendly platform, which allows individuals to create community of interest maps and district maps. "This tool was created for you guys," emphasized a district representative, noting its origins at Tufts University aimed at fostering public involvement in districting efforts. The platform is now accessible for community members to log in and start mapping their interests.

The meeting also covered essential demographic data, revealing a population exceeding 500,000. The district will utilize both the 2020 census data and citizen voting age population data to ensure balanced districts and compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act. These datasets are crucial for understanding the voting power of protected classes, with a focus on Latino, Asian, and Black populations.

While the discussion touched on the absence of data regarding the European American population, officials clarified that the emphasis is on the top three protected classes due to their significant representation in the community.

As the district moves forward with its redistricting efforts, community members are encouraged to engage through the Districtr tool and submit their feedback via email. This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusive governance and representation in the East Side Union High School District.