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)

An Illinois school system won a bond issue election with a 30-day marketing campaign. Helpful marketing practices include identification of the target audience and finding the best medium to reach the audience. (MLF)

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)

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…

Aurora (Colorado) public schools followed 10 suggestions to win a recent bond election, including starting a year before the election, analyzing community relations, establishing a citizens' committee and an election task force, developing resource materials (including fact sheets), setting a timetable, seeking out "yes" votes, and…

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…

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)

In the Greenwich (New York) Central School District, after a complete engineering study determined the renovations needed, the superintendent and a citizens' committee sold the community on a bond issue to reroof four buildings with a silicone urethane system. The bonds will be paid back from savings on energy costs. (Author/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)

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" provides a generic overview of the major tasks associated with financing a school district's large capital programs. The chapter opens with a brief historical review of the limited provisions made for capital outlay prior to the 1960s and of the trends in financing in recent decades. The…

Explains the proposed revisions to Internal Revenue Service regulations that would require school districts to calculate the earnings on investments and deduct these earnings from bond obligations. Demonstrates how the revisions would restrict use of the proceeds of short-term investment of borrowed funds and limit cash on hand. (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)

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…