Contra Costa County Office of Education

Contra Costa County Office of Education Redistricting 2021

The Contra Costa County Board of Education recently completed the constitutionally-mandated redistricting process, adopting a map that draws new political boundaries for elected members. The new map with five Trustee Areas will be in place for the 2022 election cycle.

“For the next decade, the adopted map will determine the Trustee Areas for the Board of Education,” Contra Costa County Board of Education president Sarah Butler said. “I want to thank the members of the community and my colleagues on the Board for their input into this process. The feedback was incorporated, and the adopted map now reflects the will of the people.”

Every 10 years, political boundaries are adjusted, based on new population numbers from the U.S. Census in the redistricting process as required by law

The process for the Contra Costa County Board of Education started in September 2021 and was led by the consulting firm, Redistricting Partners, of Sacramento. After several meetings and public hearings, the Board of Education selected the map labelled D3 at its February 9 meeting. The final adopted map is similar to the Board of Supervisor’s redistricting map, except for Trustee Areas 2 and 4 in central county are more closely aligned with school district boundaries.

What is redistricting?

"Following each decennial federal census, and using population figures validated by the Demographic Research Unit of the Department of Finance as a basis, the county committee shall adjust the boundaries of any or all of the trustee areas of the county board of education as necessary to meet the population criteria set forth in Subdivision (a).” (Education Code §1002. subdivision(b).)

Redistricting is the process of adjusting district lines every 10 years to reflect local population changes based on the most current release of the U.S. Census.

Why is it important?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for the purposes of electing a board member to the Contra Costa County Board of Education.

What are the considerations for redistricting?

There are a number of criteria that have been used nationally and upheld by courts.

Relatively equal size - people, not citizens
Contiguous - districts should not hop/jump
Keep districts compact - appearance/function
Maintain "communities of interest"
Follow city/county/local government lines

What is a "Community of Interest"?

A community of interest refers to a group of people with a common set of concerns that may be affected by legislation. Examples of communities of interest include ethnic, racial and economic groups.

Communities covered by the Voting Rights Act:

African Americans
Asians
Latinos

While race is a community of interest, it cannot be the predominant factor.

How can the public in Contra Costa County participate in this process?

The public may attend upcoming Board meetings (January 19 and February 9) to offer public comment and hear the Board discuss draft maps. Click here for information about attending Board meeting.