In spite of a nationwide concern for the crumbling infrastructure of school buildings, the prospects of passing bond issues to repair or replace buildings are elusive. This study examined positive and negative factors that affected the outcomes of school bond elections in four purposefully-selected school districts in Iowa. Variables that contributed to the success of bond elections in two school districts and the failure of bond elections in two school districts were analyzed. Included in the study was an examination of relationships that existed between the variables contributing to the outcomes of the bond issues and selected characteristics of the individual school districts. Results of the survey were analyzed using exploratory data analysis. Interviews were conducted with the superintendent, a member of the citizen bond promotion committee, a newspaper editor, and a banker from four Iowa school districts that held school bond elections in their communities between 1994 and 1998. The interview instrument used in the study contained a series of structured questions with respect to bond elections and questions designed to gather perceptions regarding factors that were critical to the results of the election. Findings of the study indicated the importance of an organized and well-represented citizen committee in the promotion of the school bond election. In addition, the findings supported the need for bond promotion groups to identify "yes" voters and make sure they vote to ensure success. Good internal and external communication and use of the media were supported by the findings as factors essential to a successful bond election. (Appendices contain study materials. Contains 42 references.) (Author/EV)