Indian Hills Community College had the numbers behind them upon passing a bond measure in November 2021. More than 12,000 voters in 17 Iowa counties gave their approval for a $28 million referendum designated to fund a brand new campus and additional major improvements. The bond, which needed 60% support to pass, cleared that hurdle with more than…

Despite the recent turmoil in the U.S. economy, most libraries that were tracked by "Library Journal" won their referenda at a rate just slightly lower than 2007. Nearly three-quarters of operating referenda passed. Building referenda under $10 million passed at a whopping 85%, with those over $10 million batting slightly better than…

Despite a number of savvy strategies, it was a tough year at the polls for libraries. Both building and operating referenda had the lowest passage rates this decade, with only 52% of capital referenda and 57% of operating referenda finding success. In fact, in the 18 years since Library Journal has been tracking these votes, 2005 had the lowest…

Describes efforts to enlist community support for a bond referendum to build two new elementary schools in Lunenburg County, Virginia. Recommends (1) establishing a grassroots organization; (2) emphasizing moral issues; (3) stressing needs of the school system; (4) orienting the campaign toward the future; (5) starting the campaign early; and (6)…

The superintendent of the Durham County, North Carolina, schools explains the approach he took in gaining passage of a financial election. The method is that termed "voter crosspressure" in another article in this issue. (IRT)

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)

To help sell a school bond issue in Akron, Ohio, the district recruited speakers that the voters could identify with: coaches, school board members, ministers, parents, senior citizens, and key school staff members. Speakers were brought together for a training session to go over presentation skills and the key selling points identified by the…

A homemade video graphically displayed a rural Wisconsin school district's cramped and deteriorating condition. Voters approved a 5.5 million dollar plan to expand and modernize the existing 3-story building that links the elementary school and high school. School officials believe the grassroots video helped convince voters in favor of the…

Intended for local municipal officials and their advisors on public finance issues, this publication describes the legal environment surrounding bonds and examines some of the factors affecting the political feasibility of bond issues. Four categories of state controls of municipal bonds are discussed: limits on the amount of debt municipalities…

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)

A Colorado school district approved a mill levy that tied additional future funding to improved student performance on the Colorado Student Assessment Program. In a single year the district met more than half of their 3-year goal and credits success to a focused, data-driven approach, a bipartisan citizens committee, a strategic plan, a plan for…

Many school buildings are in dire need of renovation, expansion, or replacement. Brief case studies from around the country illustrate the importance of finding out why people vote for or against a construction referendum. Lists recommendations for a strategic campaign. (MLF)

After three bond issues failed in De Soto, Kansas, the new superintendent, Marilyn Layman, moved immediately to build a districtwide consensus. A year later, voters passed a $14.7 million bond issue to construct a new high school and middle school with additional high and middle schools planned for the future. (MLF)

Analyzes data on referenda to build or renovate public libraries that were held between July 1990 and June 1991. Seasonal considerations are discussed, library referenda by authorizing agency are examined, a five-year summary of referenda is provided, and two sidebars describe successful referenda campaigns in Spokane (Washington) and Denver…

School construction is a politically charged challenge. Examples from a number of districts illustrate controversy over bond issue elections, facility planning, bidding, site selection, and new attendance boundaries. The real key to success is getting the community involved. (MLF)