Hillsborough County parents concerned about representation as the school redistricting timeline is cut short
Bay News 9 | By Fadia Patterson | Updated November 18, 2021
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The number of people living and moving into Hillsborough County has grown significantly over the last decade according to the 2020 Census Data.
The school district is in the middle of drawing new school board member boundaries to help manage that growth.
What You Need To Know
Some parents believe school redistricting is being rushed
There are two upcoming meetings where parents can get updates on school redistricting
The new boundaries will be approved by December 31, 2021
Keeping a watchful eye is Shannon Scott, a Plant City mom who says it’s happening too quickly.
“It’s something we do in a year and we’re shoving it in two months,” said Scott.
The timeline for school redistricting was cut because of delayed 2020 Census results.
Redistricting won’t impact where a child goes to school, but it may change which of the current five board members represent a certain voting district.
“I think it’s important to know who is representing your area, who is representing your kids, and who is making decisions and fighting for them,” said Scott.
Hillsborough County Schools has several maps up for consideration.
Maps are being redrawn with the following benchmarks:
- Keeping communities together
- Balancing ethnic groups in each district
- Ensuring District 5 is 37% Black
- Population is evened out among districts
Currently, Plant City is in District 4.
“Our community is very different,” said Scott who fears portions of the City would be rezoned and represented by two different school board members.
“It makes a difference how it’s split up and who represents us to make sure our values and needs are being met.”
South and East Hillsborough County had the most growth.
Some parents feel it’s time to consider creating a sixth school board member district for adequate representation.
“All of our involvement is important in those decisions,” said Scott.
There are two upcoming meetings where parents can get updates on school redistricting
The new boundaries will be approved by December 31, 2021.
