[SchoolMatters] An alternative redistricting policy

[Brian Wheeler]

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At-Large Member of the Albemarle County School Board. 
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The School Board is expected to take action to revise our redistricting
policy (Policy FB) at this Thursday's meeting.  I have prepared an
alternative version of that policy for consideration by the School Board.
 
Staff's December 20, 2005 Policy FB DRAFT
http://www.wheeleronboard.com/docs/20051219-PolicyFBDraft.pdf 

Brian Wheeler's January 8, 2006 DRAFT
http://www.wheeleronboard.com/docs/20060108-PolicyFBDraft-Wheeler.pdf
 
With respect to the staff's December 20th draft, I think it did make a
number of improvements with respect to the trigger language or "target
enrollment ranges."  I am still bothered, however, by the dramatic changes
to minimize the role of the public and Long Range Planning Committee
(limited to capital plan development).  As written, the public is only
involved in a redistricting committee when a new school is being opened.  As
written, ALL other redistricting proposals, like the redistricting plan
approved in 2005, would be developed entirely by staff without involvement
by LRPC or the public in committee meetings.  Thus the public would be
involved only in hearings held on the Superintendent and School Board
recommendations only after proposals are fully developed.
 
Instead, in my draft you will see I have highlighted specific
responsibilities for each group and preserved their roles in what I believe
is an improved policy overall and one that, in combination with the staff's
proposed changes, addresses many of the public and board's concerns from
2004-05.
 
Approving policy is one of the primary jobs of the School Board.  This is a
very important policy that has far reaching implications for managing the
growth of the School Division.  Comments, as always, are welcome. 
 
Brian Wheeler
 
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Brian Wheeler
 <mailto:bwheeler at albemarlematters.com> bwheeler at albemarlematters.com
 <http://www.wheeleronboard.com/> http://www.wheeleronboard.com
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