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ACTION NEWSLETTER WINTER 2012 Passing the Bond Issue - Helpful Elements and Strategies to Assist Education Institutions (Part 2 of 2) “Yes” Campaign Because a public school district cannot advocate for approval of a referendum, its role is to encourage people to vote and to disseminate information to the public. It’s a good idea for a district to provide information on its website: Explain the planning process, and provide project descriptions, costs, timelines, tax impacts and other financial information. With a timeframe of about 10 weeks, a “yes” campaign should focus on phone-calling to communicate the message and gauge how people intend to vote in the referendum. Concentrate on the “yes” and “undecided” voters throughout the campaign. It is important to initially inform the “no” voter, but focus on votes in the “yes” column rather than trying to persuade someone who will not be swayed. Strategies If the facility needs are real, they will not go away; even if an initial referendum is defeated, the proposal will come back to the voters, perhaps in a slightly different form. School systems should keep communicating with their communities about facility needs and objectives. These days, it may take a few times before a bond referendum wins approval. As the saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Voters may reject a referendum because the tax impact surpasses the community’s threshold of pain. Perhaps a proposal calls for changes that are too abrupt, and people are unprepared or don’t understand the concepts. When a referendum fails, survey the community to find out why; this way, the next proposal may be modified to address concerns and issues. Also, the steering committee in the next round should try to include representation from the “no” constituency, so prior issues can be addressed. Be prepared It is essential for community members to take lead roles in communicating information about the referendum. All school board members need to support the referendum publicly, be leaders in delivering the message, and have a presence in front of their constituents. A district superintendent needs to be engaged in informing the community of the facts, relaying the benefits as well as the consequences of the vote. Roger M. Giroux, former superintendent of schools for Anoka-Hennepin School district, offers the following advice: Plan and communicate well before the issue comes to a vote. Total meaningful involvement of the community early in the discussion is essential, coupled with a solid data-based study of needs, solutions and costs. Establish a number of citizen/parent contacts who know the issues well and can serve as listening posts and spokespeople. Correctly define the issue, and describe benefits of a ‘yes’ vote and consequences of a ‘no’ vote. Explanations should be in the context of the effects on students. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Have the data that answer questions such as how much space is needed, what are the costs and what is the tax impact. Get the data right the first time, and don’t guess. ZōN: The Classroom of 2021 A Technology-rich, Agile Learning Environment Igniting the Passion for Inquiry ATS&R recently participated in the Classroom of 2021 at the Council of Educational Facility Planners International Conference held in Nashville. With the help of many vendors, an actual classroom of the future was constructed that allowed conference attendees to experience this unique learning environment. ATS&R’s ZōN: The Classroom of 2021 was voted Best in Show and received rave reviews from administrators, educators, students, and designers. ZōN Definition (ZōN) n. The Vision The ZōN is limitless. Technology allows the ability to touch people and information anywhere in the real or virtual world. It is place where students prepare for the unknown economies of the 21st century. Designed to empower students and teachers, the ZōN creates access, flexibility and the freedom to customize education into rewarding learning experiences. The Solution Motivation is ignited by the multiple learning platforms the ZōN. Great learning happens here. Settings vary to accommodate individuals, groups and extended connections by creative furniture groupings and technology. Flexible space adapts to the learner’s need. Every material component nurtures the whole student. Individual aspirations are supported in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment. Access to information is the foundation to communal learning; skill development is led by gentle mentoring. The ZōN can happen anywhere. As ubiquitous as technology will be in 2021, budget will not be the major stumbling block. Educators will be challenged to embrace flexibility, multiple learning styles and formats and to evolve as coaches. The payoff will be students with a passion for inquiry, empowered to learn by using the resources of the world. To schedule a personal presentation of ATS&R’s ZōN, please contact Tammy Magney, AIA/REFP/LEED AP at 763.525.3242 or tmagney@atsr.com. Thanks for visiting us at the... Wisconsin Education Convention Stop by and see us at the... DID YOU KNOW? No Project is Too Small to Benefit from ATS&R's Expertise
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