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Board lays out referendum outreach plan; administration explains limits on advocacy
Summary
Board discussed dates and formats for referendum information sessions and outreach materials. District legal constraints mean staff can present information but cannot endorse 'vote yes' or 'vote no.' Board agreed to add virtual and noon options to broaden participation.
District staff and board members reviewed proposed referendum information-session dates and outreach tactics as the November 5 vote approaches.
Dr Engel explained the district’s legal boundary for election-related communications: "we can't tell people to vote yes or no on a given issue and so all we can do is present the information to the best of our ability, answer people's questions and ensure that people get out and vote," she said. Staff said the district will produce informational materials (flyers, bookmarks, door hangers) that encourage turnout and link to factual FAQs rather than instruct residents how to vote.
Board members asked for additional session times and formats; several members urged more noon-hour virtual presentations to reach working residents. Staff said they will work to schedule a mix of in-person, virtual and midday sessions, have administrators ready to present and coordinate board member attendance where available. The board also discussed yard-sign distribution and volunteer opportunities for community outreach.
The discussion emphasized transparency about roles: board members and staff may explain what the referendum would do and why it was placed on the ballot, but official district materials must avoid urging a yes-or-no vote. Several members noted they can speak personally—outside their official capacity—if they explicitly identify themselves as private citizens.
