LMSD Board: Robot to guide re-districting plan

After several hours of discussion and public comment, the LMSD Board of School Directors adopted a process for re-districting at their Monday night meeting. Citing concerns about objectivity and the emotional nature of the issue, the entire process will be handled by "Galactus," a robot engineered by the Lower Merion High School Technology & Engineering Club. The robot -- which was originally built to lift a 40-inch diameter ball and race around a track -- will need some re-programming, but "should be up to the task" according to tech club sponsor Rich Kressly.

"The Board knows it can't bend over backwards to meet everyone's needs," said Kressly, "But we've seen Galactus do it time and time again."

At a recent competition, Galactus showed its resilience in overcoming long odds. After snapping its claw in half in the last qualifying match of the day, the robot – with help from Lower Merion's talented tech team – re-emerged with a new claw in time for its playoff run.

"This is an award-winning robot with an outstanding pedigree," said superintendent Jamie Savedoff, "Galactus has trained at Drexel, Penn, everywhere. The Board has clearly made a strong decision and will be in good hands, er, claws after my departure."

During the next few months, Galactus will facilitate public comment and consult with experts and community members in an effort to re-draw District boundary lines. By next January, the robot will present a detailed plan to the Board. If all goes well, the plan will be implemented in time for the 2009-10 school year.

And if community members are dissatisfied with the outcome?

"They can blame the robot," said Board president Diane DiBonaventuro.

Pictured above, LMHS robotics team members race to work on Galactus after learning of the Board's decision.