Ignoring public relations can have devastating consequences, as one Indiana (LaPorte) district learned after a failed bond measure. School board members should cultivate local news media, ensure that schools send out regular newsletters, use free media coverage, save press conferences for significant events, move board meetings to different…

Discusses components of a successful facilities-improvement bond issue. Districts must have a clearly articulated mission statement; a unified board of education; an open visible superintendent; the ability to identify, quantify needs. Boards must be attuned to the electorate, develop an organized election campaign; communicate the message…

The purpose of this handbook is to set forth, for the day-to-day use of school board members, some of the proven methods of attaining and holding public interest and support of the schools. Guidelines are offered, adaptable to local situations, on measuring public opinion, press relations, the public relations team, advisory committees, handling…