Board to post two draft redistricting maps after widespread public support for Option C

The Edgecombe County Board of Education voted May 12 to post two draft redistricting maps for public review and to hold four community meetings in June after prolonged public comment in favor of Option C.

Members of several community redistricting working groups told the board during the public comment period that Option C best preserves local communities of interest and would clarify who represents residents. "Option C keeps most of Precinct 12 together and would allow me to know who is representing me," said Barbara Brown, a Meadowbrook resident. Jim Wren, a Leggett precinct resident, said the district now includes about 9,800 new residents and argued the maps should bring those residents into fair districts.

Board members debated whether to present the public with one map or multiple options. The board voted to waive the standard public-comment limit earlier in the meeting so more citizens could speak; after discussion, it voted to post two maps for public observation. The board adopted Option D2 and Option C as the two maps that will be publicly posted.

Superintendent and staff said printed maps will be placed around the county and posted online; staff proposed community feedback meetings on June 10, June 12, June 23 and June 24 at Tarboro High School, North Edgecombe High School, Southwest Edgecombe High School and DS Johnson Elementary School, with sessions planned to begin at 6 p.m. The superintendent said the board intends to return with a recommendation for adoption by the end of June or at the regular July meeting, depending on the feedback gathered.

Advocates also requested public information meetings in Rocky Mount and Tarboro to ensure residents can review maps and ask questions. "We request that some regular school board meetings take place in Rocky Mount," Gloria Davis, a member of the community working group, told the board.

The board's procedural vote to post two maps was carried by recorded hand vote during the meeting. The board directed staff to confirm meeting dates/times with school administrators, finalize printed materials with the county's printer, and publicize the schedule via the district listserv, website and social media.

What happens next: staff will post the maps for public observation, conduct the June meetings, collect feedback and return to the board with a recommendation on adoption by late June or at the July meeting.