A project starts long before the first shovel of dirt is turned – it starts with a vision and the desire to make a positive impact for students and the community. For many school districts, a bond issue is needed to bring that vision to life. But where do you begin to ensure enough ‘yes’ votes on election day? Passing a bond issue can be daunting but can make a lasting positive impact in your school district.

Sometimes you need a team to help bring all the elements together and provide the support you need throughout the process. At Boyd Jones, we leverage positive relationships and consistent communication throughout the process to develop a collaborative mindset that helps districts engage with their community and drive results.

“We start by involving all district stakeholders early on,” said Director of Education Services Emily Bannick. “That strong support system helps us understand what the district needs and community supports.” With a clear vision, the project team can effectively navigate community meetings and provide information to ensure everyone has the data and context needed to make an informed decision.

Tools and resources such as community meetings, data analytics, live polls, and surveys help the team understand the community’s goals and provide the quantitative data and qualitative perspective needed to get to the right custom solution for your district.

“We work to create an environment where district stakeholders share the needs and challenges facing the district, and all community members are invited to participate in decisions about how to move forward,” said Bannick. “Open communication, sharing factual information, and hearing from students and staff really makes an impact and helps drive the conversation forward.”

It’s that drive to find the right solution that ultimately leads to success. When Boyd Jones was selected as the construction manager for Red Oak Community School District, the initial scope and budget didn’t align with the goals of the community. After taking the time to understand the community’s vision and desires, our team worked with the school board and project team to prioritize their scope to help bring the budget and goals in alignment.

“It’s important to understand how an addition, renovation, or new construction will help the district meet its educational goals,” said Bannick. “We help guide discussions by sharing examples from our experience and relevant data. During the planning process, our input on constructability, budget, scheduling, and voter behavior helps districts and community members make informed decisions. This helps the district ensure their facilities are ready to serve students far into the future.”

Ultimately, your community is the key to a successful bond issue. With a clear vision, budget, path forward, and an engaged community, you can head into election day with confidence.