Redistricting commission outlines 43 elementary scenarios, will study secondary-level plans and publish report in 2026
Summary
Commission leaders told the MCCSC board the redistricting study has reviewed peer-reviewed research, analyzed 43 elementary scenarios, and will next study middle- and high-school scenarios; commissioners emphasized the study's scope excludes some items (building condition, special programs) and said a formal report is expected in 2026.
The district's redistricting study commission presented its research-driven process to the Monroe County Community Sch Corp board, describing goals to balance socioeconomic status within schools and to assess cost effectiveness.
Dr. Dowling summarized the project charter and timeline, noting the commission has met since April and has analyzed 43 elementary-level scenarios informed by peer-reviewed research. "We've been meeting since April," Dr. Dowling said, and the commission has prioritized capacity, resource allocation, minimizing reassignment, transportation, and neighborhood/community-school concepts as public input directed.
Research and limits: Dr. Garvin McClain reviewed the peer-reviewed literature the commission used, citing studies that both support and complicate expectations about socioeconomic integration and achievement. Presentations included a systematic review by Castro et al., longitudinal work examining outcomes for students moved into different zones, studies on fiscal effects of school closures, and transportation/assignment research; presenters noted findings are often nuanced and benefits may take years to appear.
Scope clarifications and next steps: Commissioners emphasized that the study's scenarios are based on residence and attendance zones and do not account for transfer students, specific building conditions, special education caseloads, or exact per-scenario cost savings — those items were described as outside the current project charter. The commission will next focus on secondary-level (middle and high school) scenarios and expects to prepare a full report for the board in 2026.
Board questions and responses: Trustees asked about moving sixth grade to middle school (currently outside the charter) and whether studies considered staff turnover correlations with low-SES schools; presenters said those questions either fell outside the reviewed studies or will be flagged for further review and that some literature does not control for contemporary school-choice climates.
Closing: Commissioners noted synopses of the reviewed research are publicly available on the MCCSC redistricting website and that the commission will continue community engagement as it refines secondary-level scenarios.
