In March 2024, the TVRI, through the Brewer Storefront, issued warning letters to 11 Texas school districts, including  Texarkana Independent School District (TISD), alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act. 

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Key Facts About TISD:

2021-23 Annual Revenue: $108,515,853

2022-23 Enrollment: 7,179

Voting Scheme: 5 Single Member Districts, 2 At large

Students of Color: 70%

White Trustees: 6 of 7

 

The Warning Letter:

Three Black opportunity districts can be drawn. About 45% of students are African American, but there is only one Black trustee on the board. On the 2023 STAAR exams, about 23% of African American students met grade level, compared to about 68% of white students. Read the letter.

 

District Response:

Responds that they redistricted in 2021 based on Census data and that African Americans comprise a majority in two districts. States that the electoral system does not deny African Americans, Hispanics, or other minorities the opportunity to elect representatives of their choice. Read the letter.