Redistricting commission reports study of 50 scenarios; public report to follow
Summary
Dr. Dowling updated trustees on the redistricting study: a commission convened in March 2025 has reviewed roughly 50 scenarios (including 14 from the demographer), emphasized socioeconomic balance and cost-effectiveness, met nine times, and will publish a report this spring for board consideration.
Dr. Dowling told the Monroe County Community Sch Corp board the redistricting commission has completed its informational study phase and is preparing a report for the board and public this spring.
The board passed a resolution in February 2024 to study redistricting. The commission, formed in March 2025, has met nine times through December and reviewed roughly 50 scenarios — including 14 initial scenarios from the district demographer, Preston Smith — built at the census-block level. The commission’s stated priorities are balancing socioeconomic status across schools and reviewing cost-effectiveness.
Dr. Dowling outlined the report structure the commission is preparing: an introduction and purpose, review of research tied to board priorities and community considerations, methodology explaining how scenarios were created and evaluated, a meeting-by-meeting results section, and key findings and insights. He emphasized the report will be informational and will not contain formal recommendations; the board will later consider the report and provide direction.
Next steps listed in the presentation include drafting the commission report, sharing a public draft this spring, and seeking further board direction after the report is released.
