76537 LIFE

from My Jarrell Monthly • August 2022

ASK THE EXPERT

76537 LIFE JISD Redistricting

SUN CITY

SONTERRA

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census facilitates the process of redrawing local, congressional, and state districts to ensure each has an equal number of citizens. Jarrell, the report showed, was in particular need of redistricting. Its population jumped from just over 8,200 in 2010 to roughly 16,600 in 2020. “The demographer said he’s never seen anything like it before,” Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks says. “It was striking how much growth happened in ten short years, and it’s not looking to slow down anytime soon.”

JISD TRUSTEES

Made up of seven community members who represent single-member districts, Jarrell ISD’s school board is required to review census data every decade to assess population and other demographic changes. School districts are required to re-divide single-member districts to balance the total population if the number of residents in the most populous district exceeds the number of the least populous by more than 10 percent. Trustees worked with Walsh Gallegos’ law firm and spent five months on the redistricting map, ensuring the new boundaries accurately reflect the town’s growth and provide fair voter representation. “We wanted to make sure all our stakeholders’ voices are heard,” Dr. Hicks says.

Two areas that saw the most change were Sun City, a fast-growing and active subdivision within Jarrell ISD, and Sonterra, which had a 778 percent population difference from other districts. As a result, District 7 was split into three districts—1, 3, and 7. “It is important to the Jarrell ISD school board that the voices of the Sun City and Sonterra communities are represented within Jarrell ISD,” Dr. Hicks says.

Redistricting changed one school board seat to re-balance the population within districts “Ultimately, it came down to not preserving incumbencies to make sure the voices of Jarrell families are represented,” Dr. Hicks says.

Notes about redistricting:

Does not add any new districts Only affects individual trustee district boundaries

Does not impact attendance zones boundaries, feeder patterns, or citizens’ taxes

Relates exclusively to the election of board members

Is not the same as rezoning, which is about school attendance

Three seats will be up for election Nov 8—Place 5, represented by Tamara Dozier; Place 7, Rebecca Kirby; and Place 4, Dave Lovelace. Candidates may pick up a packet from the Jarrell ISD Administration Office at 108 E. Avenue F or scan the code. Deadline to file is August 22.

GET INVOLVED

Those who would like to support Jarrell ISD can connect by: Helping organize events like the homecoming parade and Project

Graduation.

Volunteering with the Cougar Athletic Booster Club, which supports the Jarrell High School boys and girls athletic programs. Becoming a Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) volunteer to enhance campus safety.