Proven Strategies for Passing School Facility Referendums
Passing a school facility referendum is never a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each community has its own values, economic conditions, and political landscape. At Midwest Construction Professionals (MCP), we’ve partnered with districts across Central Illinois to help them navigate the complex process of seeking referendum approval for new school construction, major renovations, or facility expansions. And while no two paths are identical, successful referendum efforts share some common traits: strategic planning, intentional communication, and community engagement.
Nationally, the success rate for school referendums hovers around 60%, with significant variation based on economic conditions, according to research from ICS/Legence. In Illinois, the most recent year of reported data from the State Board of Education was in 2018, when 33 out of 55 school facility referendums passed—once again reflecting that 60% benchmark. These numbers make one thing clear: passing a referendum is achievable, but far from guaranteed. Strategy and preparation make all the difference.
In our experience, the districts that succeed are those that develop a thoughtful message and deliver it consistently across the channels that matter to their voters. This requires more than internal alignment among district leadership. It requires parents, teachers, and community members working together with a clear communication plan—one that MCP helps tailor for each district’s unique environment.
Tailoring the Approach
Every district starts in a different place. The conditions of school facilities vary, the level of public trust differs, and the broader economic and political context plays a major role. That’s why MCP never applies a cookie-cutter strategy. We assess the temperature of public sentiment and work with school leaders to build a campaign that resonates with local voters.
For example, we worked with a district where nearby residents were concerned about increased traffic in their neighborhood. By involving the community in the planning process and ultimately rerouting school traffic away from their streets, we built goodwill and support that played a key role in the successful passage of the referendum. People support what they help shape.
Communication is Critical
A referendum campaign without a clear and coordinated communication plan is a missed opportunity. Schools can’t legally advocate for a yes vote, but they can inform their community about what the referendum is, why it’s needed, and what it would deliver. At MCP, we incorporate professional marketing and communications experts into our process to help districts craft the right message and get it in front of the right people.
That means:
- Developing consistent talking points for staff and board members
- Creating renderings and visual content that show what the investment will deliver
- Identifying the most effective communication channels (email, social media, direct mail, town halls)
- Planning the cadence and timing of communications to align with early voting and public events
We often help school districts tell their story in compelling ways. In one case, a district that had failed a previous referendum effort was able to pass the initiative the second time around after we helped them showcase detailed renderings of the proposed new school. These visuals transformed the conversation, generating excitement and demonstrating accountability.
Involving the Community from Day One
Community input isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of a successful referendum effort. MCP emphasizes engaging stakeholders early and often. That means hosting open houses, facilitating public forums, and genuinely listening to feedback.
It also means being transparent about what the community is being asked to invest in. Voters want to know: What will this cost me? What exactly am I paying for? And why now? The more detailed and accessible your answers, the more likely people are to offer their support.
One powerful tactic we recommend is hosting community meetings or tours in the spaces that need improvement. Have parents and community members walk through aging classrooms or overcrowded cafeterias. Let them see the problem. Voters respond when they can connect the need to real-world impact.
Timing Matters
There are two types of timing that can make or break a referendum effort:
- Timing of the Referendum Itself
Economic conditions, competing tax measures, and community sentiment all influence whether the timing is right. MCP works with school districts to weigh these factors carefully and choose the moment that offers the best chance of success. - Timing of the Communications Effort
Start too early, and you risk giving opponents time to mobilize. Start too late, and you miss the window to properly inform early voters. Our team helps school districts strike the right balance—building awareness and transparency while keeping the message focused and on track.
Empowering a Community-led “Vote Yes” Effort
While school districts can’t advocate directly, a successful referendum campaign often includes a separate, grassroots “Vote Yes” committee led by parents, staff, and engaged residents. MCP helps districts understand how to support these groups legally and effectively.
That includes:
- Equipping them with accurate, shareable facts
- Coaching them on message discipline and timing
- Helping them match their outreach to voter behavior and community values
A well-organized “Vote Yes” campaign complements the district’s official outreach and helps galvanize support where it matters most.
A Track Record of Success
At MCP, we don’t just manage construction projects—we build trust and momentum from the start. Our team has supported numerous school districts through the referendum process, guiding them from early feasibility studies through voter approval and beyond. Most recently, we were selected as Construction Manager for Washington District #52’s new $23 million elementary school. MCP played an integral role in helping the district pass their April 2025 bond referendum with strong support—a 65% to 35% margin in favor. This successful outcome reflects a well-developed project plan, a strong relationship between the district and its community, and the strategic, collaborative approach MCP brought to the effort from start to finish.
Our integrated approach—combining construction management with strategic communications and community engagement—makes us a true partner to the districts we serve.
Our integrated approach—combining construction management with strategic communications and community engagement—makes us a true partner to the districts we serve.
Final Thoughts
The road to referendum approval is complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a customized plan, strong community involvement, and clear communication, school districts can rally support for the facility investments their students and teachers need.
If your district is considering a referendum for renovations, a new school building, or additional facilities, MCP is here to help you build a winning strategy—and a stronger future for your community.