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Community speakers press board to hire demographer; advocates say redistricting delay risks unfair maps
Summary
Public commenters and board members debated a reissued RFQQ for redistricting demographers; speakers urged the board to hire a firm now rather than restart the procurement, saying delays imperil fair maps for upcoming elections.
Public commenters at the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board meeting on Aug. 21 urged the board to stop delaying the redistricting process and hire a demographer in response to a reissued request for qualifications and quotes (RFQQ).
Tanya Nyman, an education advocate, told the board that based on her research the board “has never operated under a fair map” and urged the board to choose a demographer rather than reissue the RFQQ again. She said the board’s continuing delay sends a message that adoption of fair maps is not a priority.
A separate public speaker, Dr. Finney, noted that the board issued an RFQQ in November 2023 but has not completed the work; he said qualifying for the next election is less than a year away and argued that restarting procurement now indicates the board is stalling. Jamie Robinson also urged action, saying the board should reflect the jurisdiction’s demographics and warning that the public will hold members accountable if maps are not made fair.
Board members acknowledged the urgency but debated process. The consent agenda included an item instructing staff to reissue the RFQQ and direct the superintendent to collate responses for a future committee-of-the-whole meeting; public commenters and several board members said that approach postpones a necessary decision. Board members discussed holding an educational session or workshop to review census data and map options before a final decision.
Formal action: The consent agenda included a request that the RFQQ be reissued, and that responses be collated and presented to the board at a future committee-of-the-whole meeting; that consent package motion carried. Several board members asked staff to schedule an educational workshop on redistricting to inform members before final action.
Why it matters: Redistricting will determine the district boundaries under which board members are elected; commenters said delayed or flawed maps could undermine representative control of schools.
Ending: Board members agreed to explore an educational session and to consider the procurement responses; commenters urged immediate selection of a demographer rather than further delay.
