This article originally appeared in the March 2020 School Business Affairs magazine and is reposted with permission of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The text herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of ASBO International, and use of this imprint does not imply any endorsement or recognition by ASBO International and its officers or affiliates.
Wisconsin’s small, rural school district of Manawa was in trouble. With approximately 700 elementary and secondary students housed in two buildings urgently in need of repair, the school district lacked community support necessary to pass a referendum for funding.
A new administration was challenged to rebuild community trust and relationships that would persuade voters to approve proposed referendums.