Overcoming the Odds: Strategic Community Engagement in a Successful Bond Vote

Reporter: Casey Welscher, University of Illinois Springfield 

Panelists: Matt Vosberg, Ed.D., Superintendent, Bradley-Bourbonnais CHSD 307; Jim Paterson, Board President, Bradley-Bourbonnais CHSD 307; Curt Saindon, Community Campaign Chair, Woodridge SD 68; Damien Schlitt, Principal/Director of PK-12 Education Design, BLDD Architects /p>

Moderator: Jennifer Volk, President & CEO, Discovery Works Collaborative 

Bradley-Bourbonnais CHSD 307 shared how thoughtful strategy, transparent communication, and grassroots outreach helped the district win community approval for a $70 million bond proposal — an achievement made more notable given the state’s challenging anti-tax climate. 

District leaders began by clearly defining the problem: aging facilities and years of deferred maintenance were limiting student opportunities. While the district had invested nearly $13 million in repairs, critical infrastructure issues persisted, including outdated plumbing and HVAC systems and overcrowded conditions. Students routinely traveled to portable classrooms, major corridors functioned as instructional spaces, and the high school operated on seven lunch periods — conditions that constrained course access and, as the presenters noted, impeded learning. Survey data revealed that 57.8% of respondents believed facilities were poorly functioning. 

The district’s early community survey offered both direction and caution. Initial support registered at 51.5%, but when cost estimates were released, support dropped to 46.3%. This prompted a key strategic question for the team: What message or action could shift voter sentiment? 

Using the data, the district crafted a simple, consistent theme centered on stewardship and student needs: protecting what matters most through responsible planning. Leaders emphasized that the district would commit $8 million from reserves, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and shared investment. 

A coordinated communications approach followed. The campaign used social media, mailed postcards, and engaged the local newspaper to broaden reach and build trust. One of the most effective strategies was direct contact. Volunteers and staff knocked on more than 2,000 doors, collecting real-time input and answering questions face-to-face. They also asked residents to verbalize whether they planned to vote yes, no, or maybe — an evidence-based tactic shown to increase follow-through. Messaging focused on practical impact: rather than speaking in large tax-rate terms, the district explained the actual cost to homeowners would average about $23 per month, countering misconceptions that the increase would be far higher. 

The team also identified key neighborhoods and community stakeholders, including vocal residents and feeder districts, ensuring that accurate information reached groups with strong influence. 

Panelists emphasized that success came from aligning leadership, data, and community voice. For other boards considering similar initiatives, the presenters stressed the importance of early communication, transparency in financial planning, and targeted, personal outreach that builds trust one conversation at a time.