The Irving Independent School District revised how its board is elected by approving the creation of five single-member districts and leaving two at-large districts. Board member Valerie Jones had proposed a 7-0 plan with 7 single member districts, but the majority went argued in favor for a 5-2 plan.
The amended 5-2 district plan passed with a 4-3 vote. In favor where, Jerry Christian, Steven Jones, Heather Ashley and Gwen Craig. Against, and favoring the 7-0 plan, where Valerie Jones, Ronda Huffstetler, and Gail Conder Wells.
The motion for the 5-2 plan passed with a 6-1 vote with Steven Jones being the one vote against.
Superintendent, Dana T. Bedden, called it a historic event.
The decision came after holding three public input meetings in Irving. The following is the breakdown of attendees to these public meetings:
- Public hearing - Irving High School on January 5, 2012
- 85 Attended: 64% Minority, 31% Non-Minority, 5% Undeclared
- Public hearing - MacArthur High School on January 9, 2012
- 47 Attended: 45% Minority, 47% Non-Minority, 8% Undeclared
- Public hearing - Nimitz High School on January 10, 2012
- 63 Attended: 56% Minority, 37% Non-Minority, 7% Undeclared
Bedden explained the reasons to filling out some background information at those public hearing, "depending what happens tonight, we have the potential to be put under a lot of scrutiny so thus the effort to have as accruate record as possible should questions arise. There was no legal requirement to do this, it was an administrative decision to try to be efficient and effective."
This change means that minorities will now have a realistic chance of serving on the board. The current Board of Trustees includes five women and two men, all of white race.
Opponents argued that at-large districts do not allow equal access for minority candidates. 88% of Irving students are minorities.
