This study is intended to provide guidance to public school districts by identifying research based campaign strategies that have been proven to help with the successful passage of bond initiatives. In the United States, half of all public schools need at least one major facility repair and in Ohio, because tax initiatives in support of school…

The need for proper communication strategies during a bond or levy campaign has been a critical part of the tax referendum process. The intent of this study was to identify the best communication strategies used by superintendents during the three stages of a tax referendum. Planning a tax referendum, campaigning for a tax referendum, and then…

This case, inspired by a real school district scenario, was developed for use in a graduate-level course in school finance. James Spencer had just been selected as the new superintendent of a low-income, 400-student, rural school district in need of many capital improvements. The previous superintendent had refused to hold a bond election because…

A slide presentation technique can be utilized in bond issue public relations programs. (MF)

Discusses reasons for voter turndown of tax levy proposals or bond referendums and discusses public relations measures to augment and improve communications between schools and communities. (JF)

Tongue-in-cheek account contains 10 useful suggestions for passage of referendums. (DE)

A small rural Missouri school district successfully campaigned for an 81-cent tax increase: 38 cents for a levy to operate schools, and a 43-cent bond issue that would allocate money to build new facilities. Passage of the referendum required at least a year of hard work and planning, positive advertisements, and a lot of community involvement.…

This research brief is the fourth of a series of four that list and index items by subject and State. Over 4,000 legislative items are listed. No legislation that was vetoed or that failed, nor any carryover legislation, is listed in this current series. (Author/JF)

Describes Boonton (New Jersey) School District's campaign to raise $6.1 million to renovate three schools. To convince people that the renovations were absolutely necessary for passing future inspections, the campaign committee used a slide tape presentation, two newsletters, a series of question-and-answer sheets, group presentations, and…

Chapter 6

Describes how a Kansas school district obtained voter approval of a $21.5 million bond issue nine months after a successful $13.5 million tax increase. Provides tips on organizing a referendum campaign and managing the money once approved. The keys are seeking high interest-bearing accounts, knowing past spending patterns, and campaigning for a…

By developing broad community input and support, a Louisiana district (Monroe City Schools) passed a $59 million property tax package. Offers 10 strategies for winning campaigns. (MLF)

Examines New York voters' overwhelming approval of 1995 statewide district budgets, in light of state budget approval history, experts' analyses of factors influencing budget approval, and results of a survey of initial school district budget votes conducted annually over the past five years. Community involvement and modest tax increases were key…

A school renovation referendum's success hinged on a superintendent's visit to Joseph Graves, outspoken leader of an anti-tax group. Graves's book advises educators to marshall the facts and then talk with voters on committees, not at them. After exhaustive discussion, groups will make their own recommendations. (MLH)