RICHARDSON (KRLD) - The Richardson ISD School Board has voted to change the way that board members are elected. Currently, each of the seven members on the board is elected district-wide. In response to a lawsuit filed by a former board member, the board has agreed to change to a new system where members are elected to represent specific neighborhoods.
Former board member David Tyson filed a lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act last year alleging that the at-large system discriminated against minorities by making it more difficult for Hispanic or African-American candidates to get elected. The board has voted to settle that lawsuit - and to adopt hybrid system of electing board members. There will be five single-member districts with board members representing specific neighborhoods combined with two at-large districts where the board members are chosen by voters throughout the district.
"Our board members want more diversity at the decision table. We are all optimistic that can be achieved with a new electoral plan. Hopefully, this system will result in successful elections for minority candidates," said Board President Justin Bono in a prepared statement issued by the RISD. "Everyone's first question will be, 'What voting district am I in?' said Bono. "Those maps are coming soon, and we are mindful of the community's concerns regarding traditional neighborhood alliances and alignment."
The district will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed district boundaries on January 29th. They should be up for a vote at the February 4th board meeting.
The district will also move this year's election for three seats from May to November if the U.S. Department of Justice agrees. Officials anticipate that the new 5-2 hybrid plan will be fully implemented by 2021.
