An analysis of factors leading to the passage of school district finance referenda within the State of Wisconsin

The purposes of this study were to determine factors leading to successful school finance referenda in the State of Wisconsin. Conclusions were based on the literature dealing with various successful school referenda, a survey of Wisconsin School District Superintendents that had experience in school finance referenda, and interviews with 3 superintendents that had 100% success in 2 or more attempts since the year 2000. The survey also included an open-ended comment area, which allowed superintendents to express their own particular ideas about their success. The study showed an overwhelming need to use an advisory committee, providing leadership in promoting the project, properly communicating needs to the community and remain positive throughout the campaign regardless of the opposition involved. A recommendation for future study would be to look more thoroughly at focusing on the yes vote and also the effect that the dollar amount has on the public vote.