Changes to Gilmer’s board of education districts have been approved by a 3-0 vote.
Georgia’s Legislative and Congressional Reappointment Office released its school board districts for Gilmer County last month.
At the board of education’s work session Jan. 24, a draft of Gilmer’s five districts was unveiled. The county was previously redistricted in 2012.
“The state’s reappointment office has contacted us about rebalancing our board districts,” superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley said. “The 2012 map is the green lines with proposed changes in the colored areas. As you can see, there are three proposed changes to even out the districts.
“The original problem is there were not enough people in district five and too many in district one. What they’ve tried to do is make sure that all of Ellijay and East Ellijay city limits are still included within district one.”
The major changes included increasing the size of district two into district three in the southern region of the county, increasing the size of district five into district four in the northwest area of the county and reappointing a western portion of district one into district four.
The map is based on census data. Population breakdown by district includes 6,296 in district one, 6,346 in district two, 6,199 in district three, 6,205 in district four and 6,307 in district five.
The only requirement of the districts is that each is represented by a board member. The entire county has a say in who occupies each spot.
“This only affects where future board members may live within a district. Since you’re all voted on at-large, it really doesn’t have an affect on who votes for who,” Ridley said.
Board members had a brief discussion about some map oddities where small portions of districts were changed. Ridley spoke to the state about the map, and a second draft was presented at the board’s regular session Jan. 27. The reappointment office was unaware of the newly constructed roundabout that connects Hwy. 382 to Hwy. 515.
Ridley recommended the board adopt the map, which received a motion and a second.
Board member Joe Pflueger was curious as to how many other new roads and developments the state was unaware of.
“I’ve been looking at this map for a few hours,” he said. “I received it around 4:30, and I’m against it because I haven’t had a chance to study it and drive out and look at these places and make an informed decision. I’d like to see us table this.”
Board chairman Ronald Watkins, vice chairman Doug Pritchett and member Michael Bramlett voted in favor of adopting the new districts. Pflueger and board member Michael Parks abstained.