ERIC Number: ED445860
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 2000
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Gaining Rural Community Support for a Bond Issue: A Superintendent's Experience.
Bohrer, Stephen Dean
The passage of a bond issue in support of school building construction or renovation can be one of the most difficult activities for a rural school district. The process of getting a bond passed requires a delicate mix of public relations, community education, and consensus building. In this chapter, a superintendent in a rural district describes his experience working to pass a bond issue to build a new elementary school. The story provides several lessons about passing school bond issues. First, credible leadership from within the school system is important. The superintendent must be viewed as serving the overall good of the school, and the school board and school staff must actively support the bond's passage. Second, community outreach and communication are critical parts of the political process. A well-orchestrated public relations campaign can be helpful, and the importance of sharing information with senior citizens cannot be overstated. It is also important to include members of all segments of the community in project planning and keep the local newspapers informed. Finally, the hard work of volunteers is invaluable in achieving success. (SV)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Note: Chapter 5 in: Improving Rural School Facilities: Design, Construction, Finance, and Public Support; see RC 022 640.