Dear SBISD Families, Staff and Community Members,

The SBISD Board of Trustees met on May 5 to discuss the Court’s Order in the Voting Rights Act Lawsuit. Importantly, no Final Judgment has been signed in the case because there are still several pending issues for the judge to consider. Accordingly, SBISD is compelled to complete the steps set forth in Judge Lake’s order until a Final Judgment is signed. However, once a Final Judgment is signed, SBISD will be able to appeal.

After deliberation, the Board passed a motion directing its legal counsel to complete the steps set forth in Judge Lake’s order, to obtain a Final Judgment, and then appeal this case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal will not cost SBISD any additional legal fees because representation in this matter is covered by the TASB risk pool. 

As the Trustees highlighted during their discussion, the Board is committed to an at-large system and will take the legal steps necessary to preserve it. Even Judge Lake’s opinion highlighted the benefits of an at-large system, but admitted that the trial court does not have the power to decide what is the “best” electoral system.

The at-large system promotes teamwork and reduces territorialism. It ensures that EVERY trustee is accountable to EVERY student, parent, and constituent, ALL the time. It discourages trustees from fighting over resources for “their” part of the district. The voters recognize that SBISD is one school district, and the current Board intends to fight to keep it that way. We will respect the will of the voters and appeal this case at the first opportunity.

Thank you for your support of SBISD and your continued patience while this long court process continues.

Lisa Andrews Alpe
President, SBISD Board of Trustees