Campaign finance might seem like the exclusive province of political reporters, but there are many good reasons why authors should be paying attention--both in races for education positions and in other key races at the local, state, and federal levels with implications for education. Basic math is a necessary skill and familiarity with a…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers in political campaigns focuses on the Jesse Jackson presidential primary campaign in New York State in 1988. User needs analysis is described, guidelines for the organization of a campaign information system are suggested, and the use of microcomputers for voter targeting is described. (LRW)

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.…

Provides advice to help school districts pass bond referenda. Includes lists of why referenda fail and win and ways to develop a successful bond campaign including a referendum timeline. (MD)

This document contains specific recommendations for conducting bond campaigns. It outlines the three major considerations of any bond campaign: (1) committee organization and appointment; (2) time lines; and (3) getting out the vote. The publication focuses on the need for total community involvement and outlines some of the components for…

This workshop summary offers a guide for women who are considering seeking public office. It covers pre-campaign concerns, development of a campaign plan, and keeping the campaign on target. While a campaign plan should be an anchor, it also should be a flexible tool that can be revised, if necessary. The document discusses "targeting,"…

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)

Too many people become disillusioned by political language because they start with illusions about it--erroneous ideas and unrealistic expectations. It is better to start with realistic attitudes, practical information, and not-so-great expectations. When dealing with political language, expect (1) conflict, arguments and disagreements, and…

Although it is impossible to know in advance the credibility of political messages, such persuasive discourse can be analyzed in a non-partisan, common sense way using predictable patterns in content and form. The content of a candidate's message can be summarized as "I am competent and trustworthy; from me, you'll get 'more good' and 'less…

Delineates strategic steps for conducting successful tax election campaigns drawing from the experience of Henderson County Junior College, Texas. Focuses on ways of determining the nature, direction, and strategies of the campaign; campaign leadership and volunteer recruitment; personal contacts; and publicity techniques. (DMM)

All aspects of school elections ranging from the nuts and bolts of campaign organization and media relations to effective long-term strategies to sustain community support for school funding and board member leadership comprise the 11 chapters of this two-part book. The first part offers an overview of board member election campaigns and effective…

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…

In 1996 the Internet evolved into a key information source for voters interested in experiencing an unfiltered view of the political process through the lenses of political parties, news organizations, educational foundations, media outlets, and a host of specialized interest groups (e.g., Common Cause, Sierra Club). This access came in the form…

This newsletter has been designed to update and supplement the curriculum guide "Resources for Teaching Virginia Government." Issue 1 features "Campaigning on the Tube" (J. Babb), an articles that teaches about television's role in promoting political events and candidates in Virginia. "...Demagogues, Pedagogues,…