politicized Lawsuits throughout texas

understanding Electoral systems: AT Large vs. Single member Districts

Google Richardson ISD single member districts or Frisco ISD and you’ll discover how they are only a few in a wave of lawsuits facing school districts over redistricting.
This ongoing, politicized movement is attempting to convert "At Large" school districts into Single Member Districts (SMDs).

At large Districts - allows anyone who lives within a large geographical area to run for a position on the SBISD Board of Trustees. Once elected, each member represents and advocates for the entire district.

Single Member Districts (SMDs) - only those that live within a small geographical area could run for a position on the school board. Once elected, each member would represent a small portion of the district and work to advocate for their small segment of voters.

In January 2020, SBISD’s legal firm explained during a SBISD board meeting that there were 848 at large and 147 SMD electoral systems in Texas school districts. Research reveals that higher performing districts have at large systems, while underperforming districts, like Houston ISD, have single member systems.

Elizondo Vs.SBisd lawsuit key facts

Like a Good Neighbor...

Former school board candidate Dr. Virginia Elizondo lost to opponent Christopher Earnest during the May 2021 school board election
Dr. Elizondo was endorsed by every SBISD board member during her campaign
One month after the 2021 election, Dr. Elizondo filed a lawsuit against SBISD
The lawsuit aims to create SMDs that would disenfranchise approximately 80,000 voters in SBISD
Dr. Elizondo is currently represented by Class of 2021 SBISD Good Neighbor award recipient Barry Abrams of Blank and Rome, LLP
Thompson & Horton was representing SBISD before withdrawing themselves six months later
Legal counsels Barry Abrams and Janet Horton both continue to serve on non profits boards closely affiliated with SBISD