Superintendent previews grassroots operating levy campaign: 50 presentations, multimedia and neighborhood outreach planned

Superintendent Eric Olsen on July 1 outlined the district’s operating levy outreach strategy as the board considers bringing a levy question to voters in the future. He described a timeline and tactics aimed at broad community engagement rather than a single centralized committee.

Olsen said the district produced a refreshed “Why Monticello” marketing video, will produce multimedia materials including a podcast based on district documents, and plans “50 presentations in 90 days” beginning after an August 4 work session. Outreach will include public forums, neighborhood gatherings hosted by community volunteers, targeted phone calls, social media posts and student-generated videos. Olsen said staff will provide a spreadsheet for board members to sign up for events and a place to indicate volunteers for “yes” outreach at individual community events.

Tina Burkholder and other staff were cited as contributing to materials; student representatives volunteered to produce content. Olsen emphasized transparency—he said the district will not “auto-renew” levy authority without voter approval—and asked board members to participate where possible. The presentation included an offer to provide do’s and don’ts guidance for board members who engage in outreach to ensure compliance with legal and ethical limits on advocacy by elected officials.

Board members asked for distribution channels for the presentations (paper mailings, website and social media were discussed), and staff responded that a district mailing was in production. The board did not take formal action on the outreach plan at the meeting; Olsen said a separate work session on Aug. 4 will move the plan forward.