School Budget Passage Tool Kit

1. School Budget Passage Tool Kit Vermont School Boards Association 2010

2. Getting the Public on Board 1 Month Prior to Vote • Involve key opinion leaders on budget committee • Do not spend public funds promoting budget passage – only provide necessary information • Communicate facts in clear, concise manner Vermont School Boards Association

3. Getting the Public on Board 1 Month Prior to Vote • Review action/strategic plan for direction • Check original budget assumptions and determine new priorities • Decide what makes sense politically • Prepare contingency plan for multiple budget defeats Vermont School Boards Association

4. Getting the Public on Board 1 Month Prior To Vote • Prepare budget • Prepare voting process • Organize PR Committee • Warn new vote Vermont School Boards Association

5. Getting the Public on Board 1 Month Prior To Vote • Prepare informational materials • Obtain voter registration lists • Recruit “Get Out The Vote” volunteers • Elicit teacher/administrator recommendations Vermont School Boards Association

6. Getting the Public on Board 3 Weeks Prior to Vote • Begin community presentations • Meet with media • Assign volunteers in “Get Out Vote” drive • Prepare yard signs & flyers (no public funds) Vermont School Boards Association

7. Getting the Public on Board 3 Weeks Prior To Vote • Include “Vote on School Budget” in business advertisements • Write & tape radio Public Access TV spots • Design & schedule newspaper announcements • Post info on Town & School web sites Vermont School Boards Association

8. Getting the Public on Board 3 Weeks Prior To Vote • Organize key opinion leader breakfasts • School leaders & volunteers meet: • Church leaders • Parent groups/PTA • Chamber of Commerce & Rotary Vermont School Boards Association

9. Getting the Public on Board 3 Weeks Prior To Vote School leaders & volunteers meet: • Select Board & other town officers • Senior center(s) • Teachers and staff • Voter registration for18 year olds Vermont School Boards Association

10. Getting the Public on Board 2 Weeks Prior To Vote • Compile telephone surveys • Direct mailings to clergy (no public funds) • Information posters in stores • Supermarket TV monitors Vermont School Boards Association

11. Getting the Public on Board • 2 Weeks Prior to Vote • Target distribution of sample ballots • Post “Vote on School Budget” signs • Telephone voters • Prepare Main Street banner (no public funds – incorporate business ad) Vermont School Boards Association

12. Getting the Public on Board 1 Week Prior To Vote • Newspaper announcements (no public funds) • Mail newsletter (just facts) • Radio & Cable TV interviews • Restaurant placemats NECAP questions Vermont School Boards Association

13. Getting the Public on Board 1 Week Prior To Vote • Hang street banner (with business ad) • School reader board • Post yard & other signs • Portable town reader boards Vermont School Boards Association

14. Getting the Public on Board Night Before Vote • “Reminder to Vote” phone calls • School staff “Reminder to Vote” notice • Review “Transportation To Polls” logistics • Radio and TV “Reminder to Vote” ads Vermont School Boards Association

15. Getting the Right Message to the Media Vermont School Boards Association

16. 7 Media Essentials • Develop relationships with reporters • Know “Rules of Engagement” • “On & off the record” • Background info • Frame the message - keep it simple & precise Vermont School Boards Association

17. 7 Media Essentials • Understand reporters’ limitations • tight deadlines • Know your audience • catch interest with your message Vermont School Boards Association

18. 7 Media Essentials • Provide backup print materials • Help reporter understand issue • Always be truthful Vermont School Boards Association