On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 the County Committee on School District Organization approved NUSD’s proposal. To read more, click here.
———————————————————————————
You may provide feedback on this process and draft maps at any time, 24/7, by emailing [email protected]
Background
The Natomas Unified School District, like many other cities and school districts in the state, is in the process of changing how members of the Board of Education are elected to office. Last December, the Natomas Unified Board of Trustees directed staff to begin the process of moving Natomas Unified (NUSD) from at-large elections to by-trustee area elections. The district hires an outside demographer to help us during this process. The information below, including the timeline, will help you understand the process in more detail.
At-Large vs. By-Trustee Area
Since its unification, the five (5) board members in Natomas Unified are elected by all of the voters in the district. This is known as an ‘at-large’ election. When there are multiple board seats up for election, voters choose multiple candidates from those who are running when they complete their ballot.
When elections are held through ‘by-trustee areas,’ the district is divided into smaller areas and candidates for the board seat representing that district area must reside in that specific district area. Voters select one candidate from those who are running to represent their area of the district and do not vote on the seats representing other areas of the district.
At the January 20, 2021 Board Meeting, the Board approved a resolution (“letter of intent”) 5-0 to direct staff to lead the school district to the change from at-large elections to by-trustee area elections. Trustee areas will include five (5) areas that make sure the 5 areas are each represented by an elected NUSD Trustee who will live within a specific Trustee Area. Below is a graphic that helps explain the transition.
Determining Trustee Areas
Trustee areas must be roughly the same size in terms of the number of residents. Using the latest Census data available, a demographer generates maps that balance the size of each area along with requirements to ensure protected classes of voters are not divided in a manner that would make it more difficult for them to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of an election. The demographer may also take into consideration local conditions such as major roadways, natural barriers, and other factors.
Trustee Area Map Options
The district’s demographer generated draft maps after the September 1, 2021 regular board meeting (second ‘pre map’ public hearing). In accordance with statute, these draft maps (scenarios A-E) were published on October 20 for public review and input. The first ‘map consideration’ public hearing was held on October 27, 2021.
In accordance with statute, a 6th draft map (scenario F) was published on November 1, 2021 for public review and input. The second ‘map consideration’ public hearing was held on November 8, 2021.
During the second ‘map consideration’ hearing the Board of Trustees gave direction to consider draft map scenarios C, E, and F moving forward (and not consider draft map scenarios A, B, or D as we move forward).
The final ‘map adoption’ public hearing was scheduled for November 17, 2021, and the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to select Map F.
Sharing Your Voice
There have been, and will continue to be, multiple opportunities and ways for members of the community to share their feedback throughout this process.
In December 2020 the NUSD Board of Trustees received a presentation from legal counsel on the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) and unanimously approved the next steps of adopting a “letter of intent” to begin the transition process. The letter of intent (a resolution) was adopted at the January 20, 2021 regular board meeting.
During the summer and fall of 2021 the district launched four surveys to the Natomas community, and also met with various stakeholder groups throughout the month of August. These opportunities allowed stakeholders to learn more about the process and provide feedback that could be shared with the board and/or demographer for their consideration.
Draft map scenarios of what Trustee areas could look like initially became available for public viewing on Wednesday, October 20, and then again on November 1, 2021. Members of the public may provide public comment, watch our livestream, and watch the recorded Board Meeting(s) at their convenience starting the day after each meeting. The live stream and board meeting recordings can be accessed here. Please check each board agenda for specific information about the public comment process for each meeting. eComments may also be submitted to [email protected].
Please see the timeline below for more information.
Information for the ‘Map Adoption’ Hearing
DRAFT MAP SCENARIOS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
During the second ‘map consideration’ public hearing on November 8, 2021 the Board of Trustees gave direction to consider draft map scenarios C, E, and F moving forward (please note that draft map scenarios A, B, and D will no longer be considered).
Below are the three (3) draft map scenarios that will be considered moving forward. The final ‘map adoption’ public hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2021.
Scenario C
(posted October 20, 2021)
Scenario E
(posted October 20, 2021)
Scenario F
(posted November 1, 2021)
Potential Election Sequencing Schedules
(draft map scenarios C, E, and F only)
Note: To view all draft scenario maps that have been reviewed / considered throughout this process, including potential election sequencing please click here.
Timeline
You may provide feedback on this this process and draft maps at any time, 24/7, by emailing [email protected]
