Considering a boundary change for your school district? Well, unfortunately, redrawing school district boundaries can be a lengthy process.
Since students are affected when a district is adjusted, these decisions should not be taken lightly. But, what are the options for your school district mapping process?
Manual Mapping with Internal Personnel
While it may seem like the simplest solution, running your school redistricting project internally can be an overwhelming task. The biggest problem districts face is that this process takes a lot of resources that not all have or can afford to use. For example, student locations and projections are one of the most critical aspects of adjusting boundaries. Some districts that choose to handle the process internally must have the know-how to use GIS software and time to generate the data needed for the boundary process. Simply put, not all districts have the resources to do this work.
Additionally, districts likely don’t have the expertise needed, within their current staff, to properly redistrict. Because there are a lot of moving puzzle pieces, someone working the process for the first time may not know what factors to consider when adjusting district boundaries. Strict time frames are also critical to maintain since new assignment areas need to be determined and receive Board approval before any new school year starts. Compared to beginners, experts can provide a realistic goal for when boundaries can be adjusted.
Using District Boundaries Consultants
Redistricting is an extensive and involved process. Not all schools have the resources available internally to handle the entire process, so some school districts elect to hire a consultant or expert to make sure the project runs smoothly.
There are plenty of benefits to hiring a consultant for redistricting. For starters, consultants and experts in redistricting know exactly what to look for when it comes to data collection. Less experienced school administrators might not know where to start in the process.
When utilizing a consultant, the district can simply hire someone to come in, research the area, and explain the adjustments that need to be made. However, hiring an outside consultant has its drawbacks. One of the biggest challenges when looking to hire a consultant is the price tag that comes with it. Naturally, the more services requested, the higher the cost (individual services like enrollment projections can cost up to $20,000 alone).
GIS Software (Geographic Information System)
When it comes to redistricting, some tools just make sense. GIS maps combine data from the geographic area, including streets, buildings, and vegetation to understand the relationship between location and spatial patterns. This, combined with demographic data (including population, average income, and education levels), delivers a better understanding of the area and the people that live there. GIS also differentiates between infrastructure to understand the impact of those buildings in the area. For example, single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and manufactured homes can be distinguished between one another in the system. Having this clear picture of the housing and student potential helps determine your boundaries into the future.
Interestingly, GIS software can be of assistance for the previously mentioned mapping options, as well: whether you hire a consultant or manage your school redistricting process internally.
GIS maps are everywhere and you use them more than you think. Popular navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all use GIS technology. (Why? Because they’re reliable and accurate). These apps have an extensive database and shapefiles to pull from so that they can predict what time you will arrive at your destination based on the routes and typical traffic on those streets. Navigation apps that rely on live consumer feedback (like Waze) prove that GIS maps can be updated on demand.
Since changing attendance boundaries may cause distress to students and parents alike, especially when there are drastic changes to assignment areas, one of the main benefits of using GIS is that it shows parents and students factual reasoning behind the decisions. This data driven information creates a greater comfort level with these types of major decisions because all involved can clearly see that extensive research was done to prepare for the redistricting.
In addition to remapping, GIS can help your school district in other ways!
Create Accurate District Maps
Creating new maps for your district is an ongoing task because of how fast areas change. Paper maps become outdated very quickly, but GIS systems allow you to quickly update your map in real-time to avoid spreading outdated information.
Prepare for Disaster
Having an accurate map is a critical asset in dealing with disasters: one reason is for first responders to have a clear idea of the area. For school districts, on the other hand, GIS maps can be used after an incident to evaluate building damage or reassign temporary school assignments, if needed.
Determine Proper Bus Routes
Some districts have to deal with multiple high schools, middle schools, and/or elementary schools that add to the complexity of bus routes. GIS maps assist in developing a thorough transportation strategy with street and demographic information. With GIS, a school system can view where students live and determine what school they go to in order to draw the best routes and determine how many busses are needed.
School Management and Decision Making
GIS can help you before you even start the redistricting process by determining if it is necessary or not: evaluate school attendances, area demographics, population density, special education needs, or if the population prefers private, charter schools, or public schools. Use this demographic data for all your decisions. Review communities of interest and their compactness to make the best decision for your district.
New School Placement
If you’re thinking about adding a new school or educational service, using an updated GIS map that includes population and demographics will help determine the best location.
Need help using GIS? Geographic Information Solutions, LLC can help!
GIS technology has all the benefits you need for your school district mapping process, so get the most out of it with Geographic Information Solutions, LLC!
Geographic Information Solutions, LLC’s leadership has 20 years of experience in geographic information systems and 17 years of educational consulting experience.
GIS, LLC has four major products and services:
- Find My School™ and Bus Stop
- Boundary Exploration & Scenario Testing (BEST) Redistricting Tool
- Violation & Inspection Reporting Apps
- Consulting
For additional information on GIS, LLC services and resources, contact us today! We’re here to help your district plan for success!