DOs…

Throughout the Year…

  • Ensure consistent, year-round communication with community, celebrating district successes and achievements.
  • Engage, network, and LISTEN to the community.
  • Establish the need for the building project and communicate it to the community. The earlier, the better.

Prior to a Referendum…

  • Complete a facilities needs assessment.
  • Conduct a community survey
  • Stress sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
  • Be willing to compromise and prioritize most urgent needs.
  • Earn support from administration, teachers, staff and students.
  • Ensure that the referendum question(s) are clearly stated and understandable.

During the Referendum Campaign…

  • Involve stakeholders from all segments of the community to assist in networking and buy in: parents, community leaders, business leaders, service clubs, senior citizens and other citizen groups.
  • Use multiple tools to educate the community: brochures, district and school newsletters, flyers, posters, reminder postcards, district website, public meetings/forums, school events and speaking engagements.

DON’Ts…

  • Refrain from any misleading or inappropriate information.
  • Do not use school district funds in “vote yes” initiatives.
  • Do not confuse votes with an excessive number of, or poorly-stated, questions.
  • Do not make “threats” of what will happen if the referendum fails.
  • Avoid a long, drawn-out campaign timeline that could irritate voters.
  • Do not conduct a referendum if the community is strongly opposed to one.
  • Do not conduct a referendum if the district has a poor financial rating or has extensive long-term debt.

Need help planning a referendum? Give us a call at 920.969.7030 or check out the pre-referendum services we offer.