IRVING - Irving ISD made history Thursday by changing the way board members are elected.
It went ahead with a plan that creates five single-member districts, leaving two at-large.
Irving previously only had an at-large system, in which the general Irving population selects all seven board members. The current school board is all white, despite the district being composed of 84 percent minority students. Minority leaders wanted single-member districts, in which each district selects its own member.
The 6-0 vote came after several public hearings on the issue, but the move angered some minority leaders. They wanted the board to approve a seven single-member district system. They told News 8 the fight is far from over.
"The reason we don't want a 5-2 is because we know nothing is going to change here," said Anthony Bond from the Irving NAACP. "If they don't go to a 7-0, we are suing them. We are calling for the kids to disrupt classes. We will be using every means necessary to get these people's attention."
Carlos Quintanilla from Accion America told News 8, the organization will not ask students to protest, but will concentrate on voter education and electing Hispanics to the board.
The 5-2 plan would potentially open the door for two Hispanic seats on the board. With the 7-0, the possibilities included at least four minority seats.
Trustee Valerie Jones tried to convince the board to go ahead with seven single-member districts.
"For the most part, I feel it's important to keep all members of this board on an even keel, on a level playing field," Jones said.
Board Trustee Steven Jones was the only one who voted against changing the system.
"The playing field is very leveled right now," Jones said. "Anybody in our city that meets the qualifications to serve on this board can run for office."
For some community leaders, changing the system will increase the number of Hispanic parents participating in schools.
"The more parent participation in our schools, the better it is for our schools," said Rene Castilla of Citizens for Progressive Irving.
The plan still needs the approval of the Justice Department.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
