Consultants outline yearlong outreach plan ahead of possible Sept. 2026 bond referendum

Laura Bishop, a consultant working with the district, told the board the communications effort would begin with pre‑referendum community research and proceed to a full campaign of outreach, including focus groups, in‑person and virtual forums, a dedicated web hub, short social-media videos and direct mail.

“It's a great opportunity to really engage with the community beyond the school community,” Bishop said, describing surveys and focus groups as tools to prioritize projects and shape messaging. She said her firm has worked on many referenda and tracks success metrics; a colleague noted a historical district success rate for the firm of about 86% based on prior work.

Bishop and her team urged early community engagement so the district can show stewardship of finances while explaining state aid implications for bonding. The consultants recommended a communications committee that would include parents, alumni, business and township representatives and suggested tours, targeted messaging to alumni networks and straightforward reminders on how and where to vote.

Board members asked about timing. A board member said the district is targeting September 2026 to bring questions to voters and described a yearlong schedule of surveys, focus groups and public forums ahead of any ballot placement. Consultants emphasized that turnout differs by date and that effective outreach is necessary regardless of the election date chosen.

The board accepted the informational presentation; consultants will provide examples of campaign creative and continue coordinating with the district’s architects, bond counsel and finance advisers.