What to expect when you're redistricting

Redistricting is challenging, to put it incredibly mildly.  There have been numerous attempts to improve the process as you can see in part in this list of the history of policy 6010, School Attendance Areas

ADOPTED: April 15, 2004
REVIEWED: July 1, 2015
MODIFIED: November 29, 2018, February 28, 2019, February 10, 2022
REVISED: April 28, 2005, April 16, 2009, January 26, 2017, December 16, 2021
EFFECTIVE: February 10, 2022

In 2018, the BOE even created a committee of three members to take a deep dive into understanding the process.  They met with school system staff as well as with someone from DPZ.  I attended those meetings as an observer and learned along with them.  
The most recent update to policy 6010 has changed the process a little bit.  
First, there were some spring community feedback sessions on the overall process.  The Feasibility Study was released in June and included four potential redistricting scenarios.  Then there were a few in person feedback sessions along with an online survey.  Respondents to the survey could also request to participate in a small virtual focus group.  Several of these focus groups have been held so far.  There is no AAC (attendance area committee- appointed group that in the past provided feedback or additional plan suggestions).

Why are we redistricting?: 
This boundary adjustment is to open high school 13 in Jessup and to make use of additional seats being added to Hammond High School.   
Where in the process are we are now?: 
The online survey has been extended until July 22.  
What lies ahead?:
In September (currently scheduled for September 1 at 4pm) the superintendent will present his plan to the BOE.  
The BOE will then hear from the community at public hearings as well as via mailed or emailed testimony.  The final decision will be made by the BOE in November to go into effect for the 23-24 school year.  
How can you be involved?:
If you haven't already, fill out the online survey.  ​encuesta en español
You don't have to comment on every aspect of the plan or choose one of the four.  There is space for free response to share your thoughts and concerns.  It is really important to be involved early because new law requires additional public hearings if new areas not in the original plan are added after the initial hearings.  It seems unlikely to me that they will want to make a lot of changes after the superintendent's plan is released.  You can also email the board and superintendent now if you have helpful input in creating the best possible plan. 
[email protected]
[email protected]
mailing address:
Chair
Board of Education
Howard County Public School System
10910 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Important Dates (visit hcpss.org for the most up to date info, dates may change):
​July 22- Last day to do online survey
Sept 1- Superintendent presents preliminary boundary adjustment plan to BOE, 4pm
Sept 7- Public Hearing #1, 7pm
Sept 14- Public Hearing #2, 7pm
Sept 21- Work Session #1, 4pm
Sept 28- Work Session #2, 4pm