Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Dear SBISD parents, staff, and community,

In 2021, Spring Branch ISD and its Board of Trustees were sued in federal court under the Voting Rights Act. In this lawsuit, the Plaintiff seeks a court order that would require SBISD to change its system for electing school board trustees. SBISD currently utilizes an “at-large” election system, meaning that trustees can live anywhere within the District. The Plaintiff argues that the at-large system violates the Voting Rights Act by depriving Hispanic voters of an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. The Plaintiff wants the court to require the District to adopt a “single-member district” system wherein SBISD would be divided into seven voting districts, and each voting district would elect a trustee to the Board. SBISD maintains that its at-large system does not violate the voting rights act, and is the most appropriate and effective means of governance for the District.

The case was set for a possible trial on October 3, 2022, before Judge Kenneth Hoyt in Houston. However, only a few weeks before the potential trial, Judge Hoyt recused himself and the case was transferred to Judge Charles Eskridge who also recused himself from the case.  The case was then transferred to Judge Sim Lake.  These transfers erased all scheduled court dates for the case. SBISD is awaiting instructions from the new judge to determine when trial will happen. In the meantime, SBISD continues to prepare for trial and will do all it can to zealously defend our “at-large” system. The District’s Board of Trustees will continue to lead the District as usual throughout this process, and will provide updates as they become available.

Thank you,

Chris Earnest, President
SBISD Board of Trustees