RICHARDSON (WBAP/KLIF) – The Richardson ISD School Board voted unanimously this week to end a Voting Rights Act lawsuit regarding the way trustees will be elected in the future.
The decision to settle the suit means the parties will seek federal court approval to change this year’s school board election to November. Upon court approval, voting for three seats will occur in November, as opposed to May, after the board develops a transition plan that phases in the new single member districts. The settlement comes while numerous local and state school districts are changing the electoral plans for school boards. Board President Justin Bono said the decision comes at the right time, and he is encouraged it will produce more diversity on the school board.
Former school board member David Tyson filed the lawsuit last year. The settlement means an end to the litigation and to mounting legal fees. Currently, all seven Richardson ISD board members are elected at large, or by all the voters.
“This process was exhaustive, and our board put forth a collaborative and thoughtful effort to resolve the issues,” said Bono. “Since we worked with the plaintiff to achieve a resolution, we were able to craft a hybrid single member district plan that keeps two members elected at large with five members elected from within smaller geographic areas. Our board members want more diversity at the decision table. We are all optimistic that can be achieved with a new electoral plan. Hopefully, this system will result in successful elections for minority candidates.”
The agreement with the plaintiff also includes the dismissal of a related lawsuit filed under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
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