OXFORD — Voters in the Talawanda Schools generally see the need for improvements that the district wants to address with a bond issue, according to an analyst.

        Teachers and parents should be used to talk to community members about supporting a bond issue to pay for improvements included in a school facilities plan, says a communications expert who is compiling and analyzing results from a recent phone survey for school officials.

        “Nothing in your plan raises serious issues. They see a need out there for some of the things you guys are talking about,” said Amy Swanson, vice president of Burges & Burges Strategists. “Talk about the link to student performance. It's the No. 1 reason people (would vote for a bond issue).”

        Two months ago, voters rejected a $53.9 million bond issue that would have funded a long-range master-facilities plan that included construction of a new elementary school to replace Stewart and a new high school. Had it passed, the bond issue would have cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $238 annually in new taxes.

        Before deciding whether to put the same plan before voters in November, phase in the funding or change the plan, the board of education last month commissioned a scientific survey. They will discuss the survey findings July 30 and have an Aug. 22 deadline for placing the issue on this November's ballot.

        About 400 people were surveyed by telephone between June 27 and July 1. Preliminary results indicate that voters support the replacement of Stewart Elementary. Other elements that people liked included renovating Maud Marshall Elementary and building a new high school, Ms. Swanson said. The biggest stumbling block, she said, was the plan's cost.

        “It's less of a bricks-and-mortar issue here,” said Mike Dingeldein, vice president of architects Steed-Hammond-Paul Inc. “It's student performance.”

        Officials will emphasize portions of the plan that show how facility improvements will include more technology and computer labs that are needed to improve student performance, and let residents know replacing Stewart would create a healthier and safer learning environment.

        “Keep it (message) simple — it's safety and it's better student performance that will sell this,” Ms. Swanson said.

        Final results broken down by communities within the district, gender, age and other factors are still being compiled and should be completed before the July 30 board of education work session, said Superintendent Phil Cagwin.

        “As we (campaign) I need to be there and not say much,” Mr. Cagwin said. “(Residents) still don't have enough information to convince them to vote in favor.” “Nothing in your plan raises serious issues. They see a need out there for some of the things you guys are talking about. Talk about the link to student performance.”

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