District launches redistricting study commission with 92 community members; public feedback form open

Monroe County Community School Corporation on April 22 provided an update on a newly formed redistricting study commission charged with studying how boundary changes could affect socioeconomic balance and district costs.

Superintendent Dr. Marquet Winston said the commission’s work is a follow-up to a board directive in December 2024. The effort is led by Dr. Dowling, who told trustees the commission includes 92 community participants — students, parents, former parents, teachers, staff and building administrators — and that all buildings are represented.

Dr. Dowling said the group spent its first meeting establishing norms, reviewing the project charter (available at mccsc.edu/redistricting) and collecting community input using a World Café format. Key study goals include "improved socioeconomic status across our schools" and analysis of cost-effectiveness of building assignments. Commission deliverables will include analysis of districtwide models developed by Preston Smith of Business Information Services and a review of transfer and transportation impacts.

A public feedback survey was distributed to the community; Dr. Dowling reported 128 responses as of 4:30 p.m. the day prior and said the form will remain open through April 28. The commission’s next meeting will review 14 previously presented scenarios and additional information on transportation and transfer policies.

Trustees were told the commission initially plans four meetings but will schedule more if needed and will not rush the work; the presentation emphasized community engagement and transparency.