A San Jose school district is changing how its board members are elected and wants the public’s help.
The East Side Union High School District has started redistricting its trustee voting areas as it switches from at-large elections. The district received a legal claim earlier this year saying existing trustee areas violate the California Voting Rights Act by denying marginalized residents equal representation. To better understand its distinct neighborhoods, the board of trustees will host meetings to gather community input on draft maps. Trustees will vote on a final map in August ahead of upcoming elections for three board seats in November. Changing the trustee areas won’t affect school boundaries or services.
Superintendent Glenn Vander Zee said although the current board makeup reflects district demographics, redistricting will ensure this continues historically. He added it’s essential to ensure the process is transparent and engages residents…