route to referendum success: strategies to get to yes

REFERENDUM SUCCESS: Strategies to Get to Yes

American Association of Community Colleges 93rd Annual Convention

April 23, 2013

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Team Introductions

Kit Dailey Public Information Specialist Eppstein Uhen Architects

Dr. Susan May President Fox Valley Technical College

Steve Tyink FVTC Foundation Board President Community Engagement Miron Construction Co., Inc.

Craig Uhlenbrauck Referendum Coordinator Miron Construction Co., Inc.

BACKGROUND

Last referendum was 1998 50% enrollment growth since last referendum FVTC serves approximately 53,000 people annually

A Few Statistics

Turbulent Political Landscape and Weak Economy

Public Safety Training Center - $34.8M • Vital hands-on tactical training for students and public safety

professionals

Health Simulation and Technology Center - $11.9M • Enhanced training through patient/medical simulation

Student Success Center - $7.4M • Increased support service space to help more/diverse students

become work ready

Transportation Center Expansion - $6.2M • Addresses state’s annual need for 8,000-10,000 truck drivers and 400

diesel mechanics

Scope of Referendum Projects

Agriculture Center Expansion - $3.5M • Accommodates 87% enrollment growth in ag-related programs

since 2008

Chilton Regional Center Purchase/Expansion - $1.7M • Meets rural health care training needs & reduces operating

expense

Future Regional Expansion- Oshkosh - $1.0M (land only)

• Provides for future campus needs & program growth

Scope of Referendum Projects continued…

Public Referendum Held Tuesday, April 3, 2012

• Approximately $1/month • Tax impact estimated at $12.50/year per $100,000 of property

value – 15 years

Not to Exceed $66.5M

Summary of Referendum

Referendum Passed with 65% Approval

Partners & Planning

1

4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM READINESS

Community Engagement

2

College Foundation

3

Realistic Timing

4

Partners & Planning

1

4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM READINESS

Role of Leadership

Who gets involved and when?

Executive Team • Confirm and reinforce the needs • Oversee the process • Implement planning & information strategies

Board • Key decision-making timeline • Public representation and connection

Foundation • TechWorks /Friends of FVTC – public advocacy

Stakeholders • Community partners, employers, students, staff, faculty

Role of Internal Leadership

Retreat with FVTC Leadership Team • Learned about referendum process • Brainstormed critical needs • Created Facilities Vision Statement

Leadership Retreat

Establish Your Professional Partner Team EARLY

Financial Advisor

Research Partners Construction Manager

Architectural Partner

Identify Needs • What will the projects be?

Consider Timing How quickly do you need to implement?

• Strategy for Election Cycles

• Legal Requirements

• College & System Deadlines

• Existing Debt Obligations

Do the Homework • How do you fund it?

• How do we get there?

Partners & Planning

Position Board To Make Informed Decisions, Not Poor Decisions

Master Planning Programming/Space Analysis Estimating • Facility Costs

• Operational Costs

Define Scope

4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM READINESS

Community Engagement

2

Community Engagement

Board Decision

on Referendum

Faculty & Staff Survey

Key Community

Partner Survey

Public Opinion Poll

Economic Impact Study

Facilities Planning Summit

Employer Demand

Student Needs

4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM READINESS

College Foundation

3

• Background • Mission • Assets • Role of Foundation • Personal Reputation

FVTC Foundation Inc.

The Foundation's mission is to be the College's partner in securing and providing various resources to promote lifelong learning and workforce development throughout the communities we serve.

Oh No! Not the

“R” word!

Steps the Foundation Took

ESTABLISH THE TEAM • Leadership Team • Community Steering Committee - TechWorks • Professional Resources

LOGISTICS • Legal considerations • Budget • Fundraising

MESSAGING & BRANDING CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

IMPLEMENTATION • Video • Testimonials

TechWorks Campaign

4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM READINESS

Realistic Timing

4

Laying the Groundwork • Building Institutional Reputation • Ongoing Community Research • Service to the Region • Identifying core needs

Realistic Timing

Always in Referendum Mode….Reality is Perception

Realistic Timing

Planning

9What is the community’s perception of your College? 9Can you articulate your critical needs? 9Does your vision anticipate future needs? 9Can you demonstrate responsiveness to local demand and

various stakeholders? 9Are you positioned financially for this effort? 9Have you maximized other financial means to address needs? 9Do you have a proactive communication strategy? 9What’s your reputation with the local media? 9How well is your College Foundation positioned to support this? 9Is the timing right for your community?

Readiness Self Assessment

Partners & Planning

1

4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM READINESS

Community Engagement

2

College Foundation

3

Realistic Timing

4

QUESTIONS?

REFERENDUM SUCCESS: Strategies to Get to Yes

American Association of Community Colleges 93rd Annual Convention

April 23, 2013

ROU

TE T

O

Thank you!