The example of the Austin, Texas, Independent School District illustrates successful bond issue campaigning. Describes the district's 1983 effort from initial needs assessment, through placing the bond issues on the ballot and forming a campaign organization, to conducting specific campaign activities. (MCG)

Outlines several major areas involved in issuing bonds to finance school buildings and other projects. Basic financing structures include general obligation bonds, lease revenue bonds, and tax anticipation notes. Explains competitive or negotiated sale process and the roles of financial advisor, underwriter, and bond counsel. (MLF)

School systems with a rating of "A" or lower can save money by insuring their bonds because, in almost every instance, the reduced borrowing cost more than offsets the bond insurance premium. Included is a list compiled by Donna Harrington-Lueker of the four major players in the bond insurance field and elements to consider in choosing…

Difficulty passing referenda to authorize school bonds necessary for important school capital purposes prompted New Jersey to enact legislation to authorize a school district to acquire a site and school building by lease purchase agreement. Advantages, disadvantages, and voter attitude are discussed. (MLF)

The House-approved version of the tax bill H.R. 3838 will increase borrowing costs to local and state governments. Educational costs will either increase or educational services will decrease. The House legislation also would treat all nontuition student aid as income and place a cap on pension funds. (MLF)

Presents a New Jersey school board's method for revenue raising through bond approvals by the community. The key to this board's success is the involvement of citizens in the early decision-making process. (MD)

An executive of Moody's Investors Service explains what past experience has taught the company about municipal analysis, how a bond issue is assigned a credit rating, and what issuers can do to obtain the best rating. (MLF)

Ten years ago the new superintendent of District 11 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, learned the proposed budget was $12 million out of balance. Now the district has sound financial backing thanks to improving business practices. (MLF)

A Colorado school district approved a mill levy that tied additional future funding to improved student performance on the Colorado Student Assessment Program. In a single year the district met more than half of their 3-year goal and credits success to a focused, data-driven approach, a bipartisan citizens committee, a strategic plan, a plan for…

Outlines crucial administrator responsibilities during the planning and construction phases of a new or remodeled school building. Includes designing the program, contracting the architect, and establishing and selling a bond issue. (MLF)

Many school buildings are in dire need of renovation, expansion, or replacement. Brief case studies from around the country illustrate the importance of finding out why people vote for or against a construction referendum. Lists recommendations for a strategic campaign. (MLF)

Using the strategy of "divide and conquer" can lead to victory at the polls. The ballot can include two freestanding questions, either or both of which can pass or fail independently, or it can be designed in such a way that approval of question two is contingent on question one passing. (MLF)

Additional advice is provided, in conjunction with the foregoing article, on coping with legal constraints to school publications urging voter support for an upcoming bond issue. (TE)

Budget shortfalls and fund deficits in many school districts are expected to continue in the 1990s. School boards and administrators must develop plans to manage and maintain the financial health of the school system. One important aspect of this planning is management of debt. (58 references) (MLF)

Based on his own experience, a school executive counsels against using a hard sell in promoting a bond issue, since Washington State public disclosure law requires that school levy material printed and distributed by the school system be strictly limited to factual information. (TE)