It has become increasingly difficult for school administrators and boards of education to obtain funds for meeting educational community needs and for overcoming obstacles to providing high quality education. This book provides the theoretical basis for developing specific strategies for resolving school bond issues and practical information on…

Education, community, and business organizations are now organizing public forums to address school repair and modernization. This report discusses the need for school modernization assistance, the impact of inadequate school facilities on student learning, school construction planning to receive construction bond allocations, and examples of ways…

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)

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)

Intended for local municipal officials and their advisors on public finance issues, this publication describes the legal environment surrounding bonds and examines some of the factors affecting the political feasibility of bond issues. Four categories of state controls of municipal bonds are discussed: limits on the amount of debt municipalities…

After five years of opposition, voters in the Jefferson County, Colorado, School District approved a $325 million bargain. Describes how the district made major management decisions, rebuilt credibility among voters, and ran the campaign. Cites a budget-tracking tool, School Micro-Financial Allocation Study, that helps school districts track how…

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…

To help school districts comply with Oregon's school bond laws, this manual provides guidelines for school district attorneys and personnel in the issuance and sale of school district bonds. The manual deals with the three primary types of Oregon school district borrowings: (1) general obligation bonds; (2) tax and revenue anticipation notes; and…

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)

This report examines the history of California school construction financing and its past pitfalls, highlights the problems with pre-existing programs, and explores the history of bond initiatives during the past 5 decades. It begins by examining the State Allocation Board and its staff (the Office of Public School Construction) and reviewing the…

A dramatic, carefully planned, and well-timed campaign will convince voters to vote "yes" on school bonds. Outlines a 10-step program that will ensure winning at the polls. (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)

The Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority has been legislatively directed to assist the state's school districts in the issuance of general obligation bonds and to develop guidelines for two voluntary methods relating to the issuance of these bonds. The program offered provides credit enhancement and helps achieve the lowest…

A school board member describes how the use of four elements helped the board win public support for a referendum that was strongly opposed by an organized, respected committee: (1) Use of the media; rather than inviting press coverage of arguments by holding large public meetings, the board held numerous small, informative meetings. In this…

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)