Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the issues and strategies perceived as important by selected key participants in seven Orange County Elementary, Unified, and High School districts in the successful passage of general obligation bonds in their school districts between June 2000 and March 2002. Six issues were studied: (a) overcrowding or disrepair of current facilities, (b) demographic makeup of voters in the community, (c) perceived cost of the bond for homeowners who are registered voters, (d) percentage of votes needed to pass a local facilities bond, (e) obtaining local support for bonds, and (f) school district public relations and information campaign. Methodology. All participants rated the importance of the issues and related strategies on a survey. Of the 105 distributed, 68 percent were completed. Interviews were held with two respondents in each district. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were used to process the data. Findings. The cost and perceived affordability of the bond to the homeowner were the most important issues identified by the seven districts. An overriding issue in the success of the bond elections was the use of the 55 percent "super majority" passage rate allowed under recent legislation. All respondents stressed the importance of a well-run, adequately financed bond campaign supported by key constituencies. All districts provided a year-round public relations and information effort and the bond committee hired a bond consultant to organize and run their campaigns. Conclusions. Districts that are successful in facility bond elections develop long-range facility plans that include input from a broad array of constituencies and enlist and involve key leaders and groups in their community. In order for ethnically diverse groups to become prominent voter constituencies in the future, districts need to develop relationships that involve them and enlist their support for school issues in advance of a facility bond election. Implications for action. Identify and involve ethnically diverse parents with school-age children in the political process. Identify and hire a bond consultant who has a successful track record, works cooperatively with the bond committee, and is willing to learn about local culture, politics, and customize the district action plan.