School District Five is announcing new tools for sharing information on redistricting with the community.
The district has created a new redistricting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page, using the questions submitted to its dedicated email address for answering questions. The district is also announcing plans to hold two virtual community events between November and December to answer questions on redistricting scenarios.
The dates of the virtual events, along with details about the event’s format, will be announced at the district’s November 16 School Board meeting. The FAQ can be viewed at www.lexrich5.org/redistricting.
“Redistricting, which is commonly referred to as rezoning, is a very important action for any school district, and we know that it’s important to continue to share information and keep our community informed and engaged throughout this process,” said Dr. Christina Melton, superintendent. “Though COVID-19 has impacted our plans for in-person community events, our commitment is to look for ways to share information and answer questions through online tools. We welcome the input of our community.”
Engineering and planning firm Milone & MacBroom was approved by the Board in October 2019 to study capacity and growth in School District Five. The study by the company was prompted by growth in the Chapin area and a need to redistrict for the planned new elementary school in Chapin, but the firm’s study also examines capacity and growth across the district as part of that process. Any recommendations by Milone & MacBroom will be presented publicly to the School Board for implementation and approval. Community input opportunities on proposed redistricting plans also will be held prior to a final vote to gain input from the community.
Established in 1985, Milone & MacBroom has worked with districts across the country, leading 15 enrollment and demographic studies annually and completing 21 redistricting plans that have been implemented within the past five years.
During an October board meeting, officials with Milone & MacBroom shared preliminary redistricting scenarios to balance “enrollments across all school buildings to ensure efficient and equitable use.” The firm also announced a new interactive map, which can be utilized in addition to surveys, a web page and a dedicated email address which were launched this summer.
“The scenarios that have been presented look at the district’s needs long-term and make accommodations for future growth,” said Mike Zuba, director of planning for Milone & MacBroom. “We believe in building sound, future-oriented projections and creating a redistricting plan that is sustaining.”
View the online map at www.lexrich5.org/redistrictingmap. Review background information and see presentations on redistricting at www.lexrich5.org/redistricting. Send questions or comments regarding the redistricting scenarios to [email protected].
