Description
Book SynopsisMany school buildings across America are falling apart due to age or lack of maintenance. Others are outmoded and do not meet the needs of modern educational programs and curricula. Unfortunately, school administrators and boards of education have found it increasingly difficult to obtain the funding necessary to correct facility problems in their districts. However help is at hand in the third edition of a popular title originally published in 1999. Holt updates the status of school facilities in the U.S. and provides new information on the relationship between school climate and student achievement. New to this edition is a discussion of the importance of technology in school bond issues and construction. The nuts and bolts of securing the funding for facility construction, a component of the building process usually overlooked in training administrators, are clearly outlined in chapters that begin with a look at the problem of aging schools and follow through the planning and project development phases to the bond campaign and election day. Filled with tips, checklists, and insights on the details from experienced school leaders, this is the perfect guide to consult every step on the way to victory.
Trade ReviewI worked in a public school district that has had significant historical challenges in passing bond issues. In the 1990's they failed seven attempts, in 2003 and 2004 they again failed twice. In 2005, I took the position of superintendent of schools, and we were given a structural engineer's report that said we needed to make a change to our building structures immediately. I dug into the practical information shared in School Bond Success and began to work on a plan for the district. We designed the plan, we communicated with the stakeholders, and we were ultimately successful as we now have two new elementary schools, one new middle school, new administrative offices, and a new community/school library. Our 12.56 million-dollar-bond issue passed with 76% approval and over 50% of voter turnout. I am thankful for the strategies and action steps I gained by being a student of "School Bond Success," as students are now learning in safe and educationally appropriate school facilities. -- Paul R. Gausman, Superintendent of Schools Sioux City, Iowa
This book will serve as an effective guide for any school district or government organization contemplating an election. It provides a practical approach to presenting information to the voting public in an organized and sequential fashion. I have followed the guidelines presented in this book in directing successful election campaigns for school building construction as well as an opt-out of the general fund property tax limitation. Therefore, I recommend this book as a valuable resource to school or government officials directing public election campaigns. -- Mark Froke, Superintendent of Schools, Vermillion South Dakota
School Bond Success is a must-read for every school board member, superintendent, and aspiring district leader. I have used every edition of the text in our superintendent program and it has become the superintendent bible for successfully passing and managing school bond issues. It is an imperative resource for everyone involved in school finance and twenty-first century leadership. -- Steve Jenkins, associate professor of educational leadership, Lamar University
Holt presents a guide to obtaining the funds needed to remodel, improve, and construct school buildings so that students may learn in safe and high-quality environments. This edition validates research and discusses the relationship between school climate and student success. * Research Book News, August 2009 *
Holt has written a book on a very important topic in the process of planning, designing, and constructing a school building. Passing a bond referendum is both a serious and important part of obtaining funds for construction. Holt has provided a very sensible and methodical approach to complete this task successfully. The book is well written and should be a valuable guide for any school system interested in passing a bond referendum. -- Glen I. Earthman
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 America's Aging Schools Chapter 3 The Preplanning Phase Chapter 4 The Project Development Phase: Selecting Consultants Chapter 5 The Project Development Phase: Chapter 6 Beginning the Campaign: Developing a Marketing Chapter 7 Campaign Activities Chapter 8 Bond Election Day Chapter 9 Developing Special Skills Chapter 10 Case Study Introduction Chapter 11 Case Study #1 Chapter 12 Case Study #2 Chapter 13 Case Study #3
