When a bond referendum comes around for a school district, it often is the culmination of years of planning, strategizing and communicating to the public. Especially in these economic times, passing a building referendum is challenging. Complete transparency among the superintendent, school board and community is essential to communicate the…

The downward enrollment trend shown in this year's "AS&U" 100--a compilation of the nation's 100 largest school districts--is unmistakable. Added together, the 100 largest districts had 10,708,137 students in 2006-2007, compared with 10,763,959 in 2005-2006. Even districts that showed steady growth throughout the 1990s and the early…

It is hard to win passage of a school construction bond--whether through a citizen referendum or the vote of a town council or general town meeting. Property owners' resistance to tax increases remains strong. Sizable segments of any local community--senior citizens, childless adults, parents who send their children to private school, and…

Discusses how school districts putting the right people in the right management positions when running bond-issue campaigns can better assure campaign success. Characteristics required of campaign chairs, job responsibilities of members of the central and regional committee are highlighted. (GR)

Describes how, with thorough planning, focus, teamwork, and discipline, school systems in Houston and San Diego have proven that they can manage massive and complicated construction programs without becoming mired in financial and bureaucratic difficulties. (EV)

Explains how one North Carolina school district was able to pass high-dollar bond issues for school construction. Discusses the planning and bidding processes, and the district's philosophy towards incorporating innovative changes in design and equipment. (GR)

Discusses planning and funding a high school whose design simultaneously addresses the changing nature of education, aesthetics, and security while enhancing the learning process. The concept of pooling funding sources or passing a bond issue for developing affordable joint-use facilities is highlighted. (GR)

Describes one inner-city school district's struggles with old buildings and community apathy that has caused no school funding issues to be passed in two decades. Showing the school district's ability to give value back to the neighborhood is considered an important element in changing public opinion. (GR)

Discusses the experiences of one school district in Kansas City (Missouri) in gaining community support and involvement in planning for increased student enrollment while providing the best facilities for education in the most efficient way. Discussions also include the planners' experiences in getting approval for building funds. (GR)

Examines how the Dallas Independent School District (Texas) has been successful in passing new bond issues for school construction and renovation. The school district's strategic methodology is discussed, as are its management tactics in meeting diverse student needs, school safety, and student overcrowding. (GR)