"The Status of Women in North Carolina: Political Participation" is the third in a series of four publications on women's status in North Carolina. This report presents data on several aspects of women's involvement in the political process in the North Carolina, comparing North Carolina to other states and the United States overall. The…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Education Debate: Obama and Romney Highlight Education Positions During First Presidential Debate; (2)…

Given the importance of the upcoming Presidential election, not only to the nation as a whole but to higher education, this article presents a set of letters to the President-elect from a group of higher-education leaders: Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings; Molly Broad, president of the American Council on Education; Sir John Daniel,…

Passing property tax issues is an increasing challenge for many school districts. This article examines 21 school levy strategies identified through a literature review associated with successful school levy campaigns. These strategies were then used as a framework to evaluate one district's attempts to pass a school bond levy. Whereas the study…

The next President will make decisions that determine our nation's place in the 21st century. We remain the world's military and economic superpower, yet at home and abroad we face economic and national security challenges to our leadership with serious consequences for future generations of Americans. During the 2008 presidential campaign,…

Parents, educators, political leaders--all Americans need the information contained in this article. But why this poll? First, it's not just a quick snapshot of public perception. Rather, it is a serious research tool, conducted annually, that allows Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) members and other educators and policy makers to track public opinion from…

A small rural Missouri school district successfully campaigned for an 81-cent tax increase: 38 cents for a levy to operate schools, and a 43-cent bond issue that would allocate money to build new facilities. Passage of the referendum required at least a year of hard work and planning, positive advertisements, and a lot of community involvement.…

Board members from around the country identified the keys to successful school board campaigns. Generally, board members say the cost of waging an election campaign is rising. Candidates are making fuller use of voter lists to target demographic groups. A sidebar lists the high cost of getting elected in the large districts of Dade county,…

An initiative petition passed in 1982 for a 1-cent sales tax accounted for between 13 and 15 percent of the total public school budget in Missouri as of the 1991-92 school year. Outlines the steps necessary to gather the necessary signatures from registered voters and to get the measure approved. (MLF)

A Colorado school district attracted over 2,000 volunteers to work on a winning campaign for a mill increase to make up for a $7 million shortfall in state funds. Offers 10 key lessons along with pointers for putting them to work in other school districts. (MLF)

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Senators Introduce Graduation Promise Act: New Legislation Would Target Lowest-Performing High Schools; (2)…

After five years of opposition, voters in the Jefferson County, Colorado, School District approved a $325 million bargain. Describes how the district made major management decisions, rebuilt credibility among voters, and ran the campaign. Cites a budget-tracking tool, School Micro-Financial Allocation Study, that helps school districts track how…

Ways in which educators can communicate well, and subsequently gain support for programs, curriculum, and discipline, are presented. The book is divided into four parts: "Essential Considerations,""Relations with Special Publics,""Communication Tools," and "Evaluation." In part 1, some of the topics discussed include the importance of public…

A dramatic, carefully planned, and well-timed campaign will convince voters to vote "yes" on school bonds. Outlines a 10-step program that will ensure winning at the polls. (MLF)

To win voter support for school taxes, school boards should (1) study the economic and political climate; (2) use the media; (3) explain the budget; (4) recruit supporters; (5) remind people of school services and benefits; and (6) get out the vote. (MLF)