Overcoming New Challenges: Rural Referenda
The landscape for rural referenda is rapidly changing, and school district leaders must adapt to these changes while emphasizing the need to separate the systemic issues facing rural districts from how the political winds blow. Our team is passionate about providing important principles to guide facility proposals that resonate with your broader goals of community engagement while sustaining support for local education and fostering trust.
During a recent presentation at the Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA) Greater Education Summit, our team helped educators better understand why passing rural referenda feels tougher than ever, outlined how to develop community-centered facilities proposals in five easy steps, and provided a strategic framework to rethink the playbook for communications and community engagement.
Meet the Presenters
Jason Splett, Business Development Director at ICS
Jason brings over 17 years of facilities planning and construction experience, including his time as Facilities Director at Park Rapids Area Schools. His strengths lie in using clear and accurate assessment data to guide effective construction and communication strategies and outcomes. Jason has played a key role in successfully passing referendums in Goodridge, Park Rapids, Red Lake Falls, Red Lake County Central, WOWE, Fosston, and more.
Todd Rapp, President + CEO at Rapp Strategies
With over thirty years of experience in public service and the private sector, Todd has played a leadership role in efforts to stabilize energy resources, revitalize public infrastructure, adjust to changing population trends, and promote community health. In the past two decades, Todd has provided strategic counsel for more than 100 referenda for local governmental units, most supporting Greater Minnesota school districts in efforts to leverage existing trust and build new support for the district’s educational goals.
Get In Contact With ICS
Contact us TODAY to learn how your school district overcome the challenges of rural referenda and develop a strategic framework for communications and community engagement.