Dickinson ISD residents will have two opportunities next week to get details on the proposed map for new Dickinson ISD single-member district Board of Trustees boundaries. The hearings are scheduled for:

Monday, Dec. 5, 2011  -  6 p.m.
Dickinson High School Library, 3800 Baker Drive in Dickinson

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011  -  6 p.m.
San Leon Elementary Library, 2655 Broadway Street in San Leon

The district is required to go through this process every 10 years after the United States Census is complete. With the guidance of the law firm of Thompson and Horton, LLP and demographer Dennis Harner, the Board of Trustees discussed the needed changes at meetings on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 and developed the proposed map. Community input is sought at the public hearings next week before the item is considered at a public hearing and possible adoption at the regular Board of Trustees meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at the Dickinson ISD Education Support Center.

With Dickinson ISD's population of 51,434, the district should optimally have between 6,981 to 7,715 residents in each of the seven single-member districts. Dickinson ISD has seen tremendous growth during the past decade, especially on the west side of I-45. The increased population means the district currently has more than 12,000 residents in one board district, while the smallest district has only 5,700 residents. The proposed map brings each district to 7,200-7,300 residents per district.

Once the Dickinson ISD Board of Trustees approves a map, it has to
be evaluated and approved by the United States Justice Department. The timeline is to complete the new map by 2012 so that the new single-member districts are in place for the May 2012 school board elections.

Copies of the proposed map can be viewed by clicking on the links to the left. A large rendition of the proposed map is on display at the Dickinson ISD Education Support Center, 2218 FM 517 East, and will also be at the public hearings next week.