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Residents press board on outreach, PR spending and plain‑language ballot information
Summary
Multiple residents said the district should improve outreach and plain‑language explanations of the bond question; concerns included using mail, clearer ballot language, and tighter, targeted PR rather than a single broad campaign.
Several residents told the board they are worried about repeating the last failed referendum if voters encounter a large, one‑line dollar amount without clear context. "I worry that we are going to repeat history here that by putting everything together in 1, I think there is gonna be incredible sticker shock in town when people see this number," one resident said.
Residents suggested more straightforward mailings to all registered voters (not just families with children), targeted surveys to understand objections from previous votes, and use of educators and teachers to amplify qualitative benefits of the proposal. "I really would like to see the marketing campaign reach out to educators in the community...and help amplify those assets," one resident said. The board said it has formed a communications committee of board members with marketing backgrounds to lead a grassroots effort, supplementing paid consultants with focus groups, presentations and local events.
Board and residents also urged that the ballot wording and any public materials explain how state aid reduces local cost. The board responded that legal ballot wording is prepared by the bond attorney and that staff will publish verified tax‑impact estimates after the bond counsel and financial advisors finalize calculations.
