Clint ISD board considers redistricting

The Clint Independent School District is confronting an issue some say has been plaguing the district for nearly 20 years.

Electing board members “at-large” has led to the majority of trustees coming from Clint. Critics say that has left Montana Vista and Horizon city residents without representation.

At a public hearing Thursday night, board members tried to find some middle ground. They presented a proposal for “single-member” and “at-large” districts.

Right now six of the seven members of the school board members live in Clint. But that could soon change and not everyone is happy.

“It’s a very big change and I don’t really see it as a positive change,” said board president James Pendell.

Pendell has been on the board for 25 years.

“I am very happy with the fact that I represent every student in our district, I am elected at large, I am accountable to every student, instead of just students in my district,” Pendell said.

Some parents disagree. Two families with children enrolled in Clint ISD filed a lawsuit accusing the district of spending more on Clint area students — giving them new materials, smaller class sizes and more opportunities.

While the Texas Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit — stating a lack of jurisdiction– feelings of unfair representation did not go away.

“I think both Horizon and Montana Vista have been a little bit under represented,” said Felipe Ramirez, a concerned parent.

“My kids at the high school here and friends that i have in Montana Vista always seem to be lacking in financial support, in positive support,” said Emilo Gomez, a concerned grandparent.

It now seems the majority of the board is ready to compromise. A new proposal calls for five “single-member districts” and two “at-large” districts.

That means Montana Vista and Horizon could end up with at least two board members each representing their students when the important decisions are made.

“Even though we are fair and equal with all areas of the district our parents and our community members in the Montana area, in the Horizon area don’t feel that we are. So, it’s time for a change,” said board member Hilda James.

The Clint ISD board will vote the proposed change at the next school board meeting set for May 17.