Client Spotlight
School Bond Issues
BowerComm partnered with three Kansas communities—La Crosse, McPherson Public Schools, and Little River Schools—to address critical needs in their educational infrastructure through bond and sales tax campaigns. Each district faced unique challenges in securing community support, but with tailored strategies, BowerComm was able to help each community make significant progress toward their goals.
THE CHALLENGE
La Crosse: Conveying the urgency of the project and the long-term benefits of investing in the town’s educational future
McPherson Public Schools: After a previous bond attempt failed, McPherson faced the challenge of unifying a divided community around a new bond initiative
Little River Schools: Overcoming resistance to a new property tax increase shortly after the community had supported a sales tax increase for other local improvements
OUR APPROACH
BowerComm developed comprehensive, tailored communication strategies for each campaign, combining clear messaging with strong community-focused narratives. The core tactics included:
Dedicated Campaign Websites: BowerComm developed custom websites that served as informational hubs, detailing each community’s specific needs and the benefits of the proposed bonds
Detailed Print and Digital Materials: Each campaign involved comprehensive mailers that were distributed to every household to ensure residents were fully informed. Additionally, BowerComm designed and distributed yard signs, banners, newspaper ads, and presentation materials across all communities.
Engaging Video Content: BowerComm produced a series of engaging videos for all three communities. For Little River, video tours showcased the urgent need for improved facilities, and testimonials from respected teachers and community members emphasized the benefits of the bond. La Crosse and McPherson videos also highlighted facility challenges and featured local voices, fostering a shared sense of purpose.
THE OUTCOME
Although each bond campaign faced unique challenges, BowerComm’s efforts led to significant successes:
La Crosse: The campaign succeeded with 70% of voters approving the bond and sales tax, securing the funding needed to construct a new elementary school that will enhance educational opportunities for the community
McPherson Public Schools: While the bond did not pass, the vote was significantly closer than in the previous attempt. The community showed improved alignment, with more residents expressing support for the district’s efforts, signaling progress toward future infrastructure improvements.
Little River Schools: The bond passed with a 55% majority, securing approximately $20 million for critical upgrades. Community feedback was positive, with many residents citing the informative communications as a key factor in their support for the bond.
"BowerComm has been an enormous help in changing our game. As a result of their 9-step process, we’ve rallied our leaders and staff around a single message, cleaned up our messy visual identity, and defined a communications plan aligned with our 5-year strategic initiatives. One of those was facilities, and their help was vital in a contentious election."
- Shiloh Vincent
Superintendent, McPherson Public Schools
BY THE NUMBERS
La Crosse school bond and city sales tax - passed with 70% Support | Little River school bond - passed with 55% Support |
BY THE NUMBERS
La Crosse school bond and city sales tax - passed with 70% Support |
Little River school bond - passed with 55% Support |