• On August 10, 2011, the School Board conducted a workshop regarding redistricting criteria and objectives.  At the workshop, the Board provided direction regarding objectives that should be accomplished during the redistricting process.  Several Board Members emphasized the need to reduce voter confusion through more sensible and compact districts with clear and understandable boundary lines.  There was also discussion about looking at potentially representing the Glades with one Board Member, placing the Acreage and Wellington in one district, making more sensible boundaries particularly as they pertain to Wellington, West Boynton and Boca Raton; using clear dividing lines for district boundaries to reduce confusion for constituents, including working on a more understandable northern boundary for District 5.  Staff was asked to look at the definition of communities of interest and give it top consideration; look at voting age demographics by district; and work with the Glades Tri-Cities Coalition regarding representation for the Glades.

• At the August 10, 2011, School Board workshop, staff recommended that the School Board use essentially the same redistricting criteria adopted by the County Commission.  These criteria were used in the County's 1991 and 2001 redistricting exercises:
  • Achieve population equity (10% or less variance among districts population) among Commission Districts
  • Adhere to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and interpreted through case law
  • Follow major natural and man-made boundaries
  • Maintain integrity of communities of interest, including municipal boundaries
  • Insure compactness
  • Contiguity of Districts
  • Preserve the core of the existing voter's districts

• The County's criteria have been modified slightly to reflect Board priorities as expressed at the August 10th workshop.  Using similar criteria will maximize opportunities for coordination with the County's efforts.

• The recommended criteria are based on traditional redistricting principles, legal redistricting requirements and similarity with the County Commission's criteria.

• Staff is recommending the following components for public information and input:
  • A website where maps, Board materials, meeting dates, and related information can be posted (http://www.pbcredistricting.info/)
  • The ability for the public to submit e-mailed comments via the website
  • At least one community input workshop
  • Coordination of information with the City Managers and Neighborhood Coordinators/Planners
  • Other elements as directed by the Board

• To affirm compliance with traditional redistricting criteria and applicable legal standards, the District has retained Jerry Wilson, Esq., as outside counsel for Redistricting.  Mr. Wilson was selected due to his role as the County's Redistricting consultant in 2001 and 2011, offering opportunities for greater familiarity with county-wide issues, economies of scale and coordination.  Mr. Wilson has reviewed the recommend criteria.

I recommend that the Board adopt the following Redistricting criteria and direct staff to bring back at least two Redistricting scenarios that are prepared consistent with these criteria:

• Achieve population equity among Districts (10% or less variance among districts' population)
• Adhere to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and interpreted through case law
• Maintain integrity of communities of interest, including municipal boundaries where practicable
• Follow major natural and man-made boundaries
• Insure compactness
• Contiguity of Districts
• Preserve the core of the existing voter's districts

Joseph M. Sanches (joseph.sanches@palmbeachschools.org

Kristin K. Garrison (kristin.garrison@palmbeachschools.org)