Case Study: Garfield RE2 Schools Colorado
Superintendent of the Garfield RE2 School District in Rifle, Colorado | 2001-2008
Project Profile:
- $45 million in school construction in 2001
- $85 million in school construction bonds in 2006
- Passage of 6.5 mill levy override in 2004
- Comprehensive needs assessment of facilities
- Effective strategic plan
- Successful strategies and lessons learned through a community engagement process
- Established process to build and sustain school board and community relationships
When Dr. Pack arrived on the scene as school superintendent in the Garfiled-RE2 School District in July of 2001, the school board had already determined they would be going on the ballot to ask voters to approve a $39 million bond referendum to build a new high school and renovate several elementary schools. It became clear early in Dr. Pack’s tenure that the school board had not conducted an accurate analysis of the cost of the needed facilities. Once that had quickly been assessed, the amount changed to $45 million.
The school district conducted an active campaign and was successful in passing the construction levy. In 2003, it was determined that the school district was needing additional money to support a growing population of students. The school district asked for a 6.5 mill levy override to support teacher salaries, hire new teachers and support a full day kindergarten program. The school board worked hard to engage the community, but there was resistance to funding full day kindergarten. It was obvious throughout the 2003 campaign that this was a sticking point, but the board continued to push for the total package. This levy failed by a small margin due to the school board not listening to the constituents. The board regrouped, cut the request for full kindergarten funding and the levy passed by a large margin in 2004.
The lesson learned is listening to your constituent groups and showing that you have listened is very often necessary for individuals to agree to support a increased tax levy. In 2006, the school district had grown by nearly 1,000 students and it was apparent that two new elementary schools, a middle school and additions to existing schools would be necessary to house the new student population. The district conducted a comprehensive facility needs assessment, involved the three communities that made up the district, and the board decided to place an $85 million bond referendum on the November 2006 ballot. This was the largest bond referendum in the history of the school district and the advanced planning, community engagement and sound fiscal practices made it a possibility. The levy passed overwhelmingly and the students, faculty and communities are using these beautiful facilities today. Learning and listening to your community, building strong support, managing budgets and finances, using conservative spending practices, giving up some things to get other things and following a defined plan of action with proven strategies of success can many times be the difference between winning or losing in school construction and operating levy elections.
Let Pack & Associates work with your school district or organization to enhance your opportunities for success.