On Wednesday, August 6th, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake denied SBISD’s attempt to impose a watered-down “hybrid” map and instead ordered the district to adopt Dr. Robert Stein’s seven single-member district plan in full. The ruling requires the new map to be in place for the May 2026 school-board election and directs the District to cover court costs.

For decades, Spring Branch’s at-large elections have diluted north-side voting power and shut our families out of critical decisions. The court has now confirmed what our community has always known: every neighborhood deserves its own voice at the board table. Seven single-member districts will finally allow parents, students, and educators in every ZIP code to elect a trustee who understands their schools and stands accountable to them.

What happens next

  1. SBISD may still appeal. On May 12 the board voted to keep fighting for the at-large system. An appeal would drain scarce dollars from classrooms to legal fees.

  2. Map implementation. Unless the appeals court intervenes, trustees and the district must prepare for the May 2026 election under the new plan.

  3. Your voice matters. Monday, August 11 at 6 p.m. the board meets at the Wayne F. Schaper Jr. Admin Building. Anyone wishing to speak must sign up by noon Sunday, August 10.

Call to action

We have been kept out long enough. Today’s victory proves that organized parents, students, and allies can change the story. Let’s protect this win, stop any appeal, and make sure every Spring Branch child is truly represented. The fight for equity is not over. See you Monday.

Somos Spring Branch
[email protected]