Date of Conferral
7-1972
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
School
Education
Advisor
Walter J. Molo, Jr., Ed. D.
Abstract
It is the purpose of this study to present a detailed analysis of the methods and techniques employed in the November 23, 1968 passage of a school bond referendum, and tax rate increases in the education and building funds for Maercker School District #60, Clarendon Hills, Illinois. As per data from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Illinois Education Association, and a local newspaper, The Trib, school referenda are increasingly meeting with voter rejection. Only 53.2 per cent of the nation's bond referenda were approved during the fiscal year 1969-1970. The percentage of successful referenda in Illinois has decreased steadily from a high of 66 in 1965-1966 to 44 in 1969-1970. And, in 1971 only 36 per cent of the issues presented in 36 west suburban (Chicago) school districts · passed. In 1970 voters accepted 52 per cent of the proposals in these communities. In addition to the foregoing statistical realities, the review of the literature cites reasons why school referenda are failing, reveals proven campaign strategy, developes contributions which citizens' cornmittees can render, and stresses public relations media. The study describes the approach of the district with respect to the organization of the campaign, committees and their functions, campaign literature, area coffees, and election day activities, Finally, a specific listing of the author's findings in regard to the essentials of a successful school referenda campaign, as per the study, are enumerated. It is concluded that to be successful at the polls, school referenda must be seriously undertaken and well-planned, It is toward this end that this thesis has merit.
Recommended Citation
Eilks, Howard Marvin, "A Descriptive Study of a Successful School Bond and Rate Referenda Campaign" (1972). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 432.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/432
