Wayne School Board to Change in 2008

(posted Sept 13)

The representation of the Board of Education for the MSD of Wayne Township will change its composition to reflect the 13 year phase out of desegregation based on the June 25, 1998 court order.

Since 1986, the school board was required to have IPS East District representation that was elected by voters in the IPS East District. By July 1, 2010, projections indicate that desegregation enrollment will have dropped significantly enough that east district representation will no longer be warranted. The phase out started in 2004-2005 by not busing in new students for Kindergarten classes.The reorganization plan of the school board will begin with the May 4, 2008 primary election. The board will still remain a seven member body, but the east district board member elected will only have a two year term with no opportunity to "succeed himself or herself." The East District Seat will become an at large seat for Wayne Township once it is phased out.

Tom Langdoc, director school/community services, explained the East District is the geographical area within IPS that began busing in African American students in 1981 due to the federal desegregation court order. Each year the number of east district students becomes smaller. He estimated there are about 140 students less this year than last year and their enrollment represents about 6 percent of the total enrollment.