| In this study the researcher gained a deeper understanding of effective strategies used by North Texas superintendents to hold a successful tax ratification election. Through qualitative methods, data were collected and coded. A grounded theory was developed that could provide educators valuable insight into effective strategies to hold an effective campaign.;Public schools in Texas have always been dependent on taxes to meet funding requirements. Since the adoption of Texas House Bill 1 (2006), public schools have been required to gain voter approval in tax ratification elections prior to increasing the school district's maintenance and operations tax rate above ;Although national studies have been conducted on voter behavior in school finance elections, voter behavior in tax ratification elections in Texas has not been studied. Additionally, the use of qualitative methods to study voter behavior in school finance elections has been rarely used. The researcher interviewed North Texas superintendents whose community voters have passed tax ratification elections.;The findings of this study provided a deeper understanding of effective strategies to hold a successful tax ratification election in Texas. The researcher identified 21 strategies used by superintendents to hold a successful tax ratification election. When the participants were asked what strategies were most effective, eight strategies were isolated. Additionally, themes emerged from the data that led to the development of a grounded theory. The five primary themes that emerged from the data were trust, gaining leadership support, developing an effective plan, gaining broad base support, and addressing economic factors. In conclusion, superintendents that participated in the study tailored specific strategies to their communities. However, all superintendents implemented strategies that fall within the five primary themes in implementing an effective campaign. Prior to implementing a campaign, superintendents established trust and gained leadership support. |
