Dublin City Schools approves Planning Next contract after public outcry over redistricting

The Dublin City Schools Board of Education on the motion of Missus Da Silva approved a contract with Planning Next to lead the district’s redistricting engagement and polling effort; the measure passed unanimously, 5–0.

The superintendent told the board Planning Next’s work will include almost 30 focus groups and that the district will post the consultant’s presentation, contract and the focus-group questions on a public redistricting web page. He also said the polling work will be handled by Paul Fallon and that the district will post materials so the public does not need to submit repeated public-records requests.

Why it matters: public commenters at the meeting pressed the board to avoid splitting cohorts and moving juniors between high schools. Tracy Birkwin told the board she was “perplexed” that students who were promised they could finish with their peers might be moved, arguing such shifts cause “mental anguish” and disrupt support networks. Amanda White, a Bristol Commons resident, warned repeated redistricting had left her neighborhood destabilized and noted a likely future levy for operating revenue. Lucina Abrahamian urged that “community input must be open and inclusive,” and Lynette Mel asked the board to keep cohorts together and consider proximity and daily routines.

Board action and next steps: the motion to approve the Planning Next contract was moved by Missus Da Silva and seconded by Mister Valentine; roll call recorded five yes votes and the motion passed. The superintendent said the contract and related engagement materials will be posted to the district redistricting page and that a follow-up meeting could be held to field board questions before focus groups begin.

Direct quotes from the meeting capture public concerns and process promises: “Given this, I’m perplexed at how you’re now even considering the idea of moving current high-school students whom you personally promised could finish out their studies with their peers,” said Tracy Birkwin. The superintendent said the district’s goal is transparency: materials used by Planning Next and polling questions “will be put on the redistricting tab on the website.”

What’s next: the contract gives Planning Next authority to begin outreach and polling work; the district will post the contract on its redistricting website and proceed with scheduled focus groups and polling.