District holds first public hearing on shift to by‑trustee‑area elections; demographer outlines timeline and criteria

The Los Gatos–Saratoga Union High School District on Jan. 28 opened its first of multiple public hearings about moving from at‑large to by‑trustee‑area elections, hearing a detailed presentation from demographer Justin Levitt and questions from community members.

Levitt, who said he was representing National Demographics, told the board and attendees the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) has prompted many jurisdictions to adopt district‑style elections because the state’s standard reduces the burden for plaintiffs to demonstrate racially polarized voting. He said the district’s total population per the 2020 census is 57,119, which divides into five trustee areas with a target population of roughly 11,424 residents per area and that maps must respect equal‑population rules, contiguity, communities of interest, identifiable boundaries and compactness.

"This is a system that is more or less being adopted by districts and cities and other jurisdictions across the state because of a law called the California Voting Rights Act," Levitt said, explaining that the CVRA changes the inquiry to a demographic analysis rather than requiring proof of discriminatory intent.

Why it matters: Levitt advised that by voluntarily beginning the process — rather than waiting for a demand letter or lawsuit — the district retains more control over timing and map design. He outlined key dates: two initial hearings (Jan. 28 and Feb. 11), draft maps posted March 4, a first map hearing March 11, revisions March 25 and a final map selection April 14; the County Committee on School District Organization will then review the change.

Public concerns and counsel reply: Public commenter Alicia urged the board to re‑examine prior paperwork and procedural readings and to ensure the community has confidence in the process. An online caller asked whether alternatives such as ranked‑choice or cumulative voting were being considered; Harold Freeman of Lozano Smith responded that the California Supreme Court’s discussion in Pico v. Santa Monica left that possibility mainly for cities and not for school districts that span multiple jurisdictions, and that the district’s option set is effectively at‑large or by‑trustee‑area under current law.

Questions on representation: Levitt noted concentrations of Asian American citizens of voting age in Saratoga and some unincorporated areas, explaining those concentrations factor into protected‑class analysis but do not prescribe a single map outcome. He also explained the transition will be rolled out over election cycles, with initial trustee area seats up in 2026 and the remaining seats in 2028.

What’s next: The board closed the hearing and asked the demographer to prepare draft maps for later meetings; no maps were drawn at this session. The district plans further public hearings and will post maps and supporting data in advance of hearings to allow informed public comment.

Provenance: This article is based on the demographer’s presentation and subsequent public comments during the district’s Jan. 28 hearing.