JERSEY SHORE - A petition filed by a group of Jersey Shore Area School District taxpayers asked the school board to redistrict boundaries that make up the regions each board member is responsible for in order to create a "more equal" representation of the population.
At Tuesday's school board meeting, solicitor Austin White said since a petition had been filed, the topic would be discussed during executive session.
The petition had 131 signatures - 75 were required.
In a copy of the petition that was made available to the press, it stated that Julieanne E. Steinbacher, of Limestone Township, asked the board to consider redistricting over a year ago but no action was taken.
The document also stated that according to 2010 U.S. Census numbers, the populations each board member represents range from 4,264 people and 1,874 registered voters to 1,090 people and 471 voters.
Keith Barrows, of Porter Township, said it's "disappointing" that the topic was not discussed and it had taken so long for something to be done.
The petition included a proposed solution, which would eliminate the nine regions now used for board members and create three larger ones within the district. The three proposed regions would vary less than 1 percent in populations.
Kelly Wasson, of Crawford Township, said with "huge" decisions being made by the board, it should strive to have all constituents heard from equally.
"I don't get a response to the questions I ask ... that's frustrating to me," Wasson said.
The public continued to voice their distaste of the board not responding to questions posed during courtesy of the floor.
"There never is an answer," said borough resident Matthew Branca. "... Questions don't get answered and that's disappointing."
Frank Novak, of Pine Creek Township, wondered how long it would take to get answers on various topics.
"These people put their faith in you as taxpayers and all they get is rhetoric," he said.
One topic that the public wanted answers about was the possible moving of grade levels to different buildings, as was presented in a comprehensive plan.
Dr. Dorothy Chappel, assistant superintendent, said a meeting is being planned to further discuss the topic at a January board meeting.
Board member Harry Brungard agreed with the public that answers should be given after the meeting.
