St. Paul School District has an enviable history of strong community support for its schools. Although school bond requests are infrequent - the last one was about 12 years ago - they have never been refused by voters.

"The St. Paul community supports schools so well," said Superintendent Bruce Shull. "It wasn't a slam dunk, but it was easier here than in most communities."

Although not a slam dunk, it was certainly a comfortable win - 67 to 33 percent.

The $4.1 million bond will provide funds to renovate the high school; upgrade heating and windows; remove asbestos; add two or three specialty classrooms, including music and science; and improve safety and security.

The entire bond process was driven by community interest, support and initiative. With about 550 voters, the district could take a more personal approach at every step in the process.

This bond grew out of community pride in its schools. "People said we need to do something with our schools," said Shull. "They were embarrassed by how they look."

Since we are in a small community, a lot of communication is through direct contact. When we saw people in the store and they asked what they could do, we told them to talk to people.
Superintendent Bruce Shull, St. Paul School District

A community meeting was held in December 2004 with an architect and facilitators from OSBA; it resulted in a project wish list. The list was later pared down, based on what the community would support and what was needed most.

Efforts to educate the community about the proposal started in March 2006. The campaign was based on information-sharing by the district and personal contact by district representatives and supporters. There was no formal advocacy effort.

"A lot of communication is through direct contact by the superintendent, high school principal and board members." said Shull. "We recognized early that personal contact would make a difference."

Informational fliers were mailed to voters approximately every two weeks with updates, explanations about the need for the bond, and answers to questions that were raised to the superintendent, principal and board members. All materials were designed for simplicity and clarity.

No research was done to gauge community support; however, a small group of volunteers made phone calls in late October encouraging voters to return their ballots.

Proponents were concerned about the relatively high tax rate. During the campaign, the tax rate was estimated at $2.65 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Although new estimates are closer to $2.50 based on current bond rates, it is a big number for a small community.

Some people expressed concern over the tax rate, and others expressed opposition for different reasons.

Throughout the campaign, district representatives were sensitive to the needs of the community. Shull attributes the successful bond to straightforward, responsive communication with voters.

"We started early, involved as many people as we could, were open, let the community drive the project list, didn't push people, and educated people in a clear honest way," he said.

He recognizes the importance of a supportive community.

"I am impressed and amazed with how supportive our voters are," he said. "It says a lot about the value of kids and education in the community."