Hillsborough County, Florida is one of the nation’s ten largest school districts. Spanning over 1,260 square miles and home to nearly 1.5 million residents, the county faces uneven school enrollments due to rapid population growth, shifting demographics, and increasing charter school attendance.  

WXY addressed the complex challenges of redistricting for the county. With a focus on fairness and efficiency, this project laid the foundation for a future where students have access to a thriving educational environment. 

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) faced the dual challenge of under-enrollment in older urban areas and overcrowded facilities in fast-growing suburbs. Shifting demographics, increasing charter school enrollments, and aging school infrastructure added layers of complexity. The county needed to rebalance resources while planning for future growth without disrupting communities. 

Our approach blended advanced analytics with a commitment to community-driven design. Using a custom redistricting model, the team analyzed tens of thousands of boundary scenarios to optimize school utilization, minimize travel distances, and enhance equitable access. 

An interactive online tool allowed families to visualize and explore these scenarios, creating a transparent platform for feedback and understanding. The tool received an incredible response—in a district with over 200,000 HCPS students, there were more than 200,000 unique visits to the platform. WXY integrated geographic and demographic data with projections of future growth to ensure solutions remain viable as Hillsborough County continues to evolve. Through detailed maps, graphics, and workshops, the design process transformed complex data into actionable strategies that align with both district priorities and community goals. 

Community voices drive our process. Through partnerships with local organizations and leaders, WXY engages stakeholders in a dialogue that is inclusive, informed, and action oriented. This iterative feedback loop ensures solutions resonate with those most affected, fostering trust and ownership among Hillsborough County residents. 

Our boundary redesign rebalances enrollment across Hillsborough County, ensuring equitable access to quality education while addressing overcrowding and underutilization. By integrating community feedback through interactive tools, the project builds trust and fosters local ownership of the solutions. These changes prepare the district for future growth, enhance the efficiency of its facilities, and strengthen the role of schools as vital community anchors. The result is a more cohesive, resilient educational network that reflects the county’s evolving needs.