Consultant outlines community-driven steps to advance CUSD 300 master facility plan and test referendum viability

Jennifer Vulk, owner of Discovery Works Collaborative, presented a recommended process to move CUSD 300’s master facility plan forward through broad community engagement and public-opinion research. Vulk described a six-step plan led by a 20–30 person facilitating team drawn from the community; two rounds of public-opinion research (an opt-in electronic survey and a 300-sample telephone survey); building a multi-channel communications program in dual languages; and a final facilitating-team report with recommendations to the board.

Vulk said the goal of the process is to "discover" community priorities rather than to persuade, and emphasized that the firm would provide "information only" rather than advocacy should the district later consider a bond question. She cited examples from other districts where public opinion moved from 48% to 61.3% in favor after sustained engagement and communication.

Board members asked clarifying questions about whether this engagement would repeat prior data collection; Vulk replied the effort would build on existing information, not start from scratch, and that staff would return with a proposal and specified materials once the facilitating team and research plan were defined. The firm emphasized inclusive outreach and bilingual materials to reach residents who do not have children in the district.