PR Forum Prepares Districts for Bond and Budget Elections

PR Forum Prepares Districts for Bond and Budget Elections

Passing a school district budget or a bond issue can be difficult in any year. But this year’s budget process is likely to be made even more challenging by the state’s fiscal crisis. It is more important than ever for a board to be prepared to conduct an effective referendum campaign. NJSBA’s Winter School Public Relations Forum will help arm local education officials with strategies. The forum is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. It will be held in the Warner Student Life Center, Navesink rooms I & II. Budget Campaigns The program will include three parts. The first, “Successful School Budget Campaigns” will feature NJSBA Field Service Representatives Gwen Thornton and Kathy Winecoff discussing strategies for passing the budget and involving the community in a meaningful way. New Media Methods Examined In “Using the New Media to Energize Get Out the Vote Efforts,” Erik Endress, NJSBA’s director of Association and Business Development, will demonstrate innovative ways to disseminate a message via social networking and other media. Participants will learn how to empower a district’s key communicators, locate voters and build on a base of supporters. Legalities Lowdown The third portion of the program. “Do’s and Don’ts of Budget Campaigns,” will feature Michael Kaelber, director of the Association’s Legal and Policy Services Department. Kaelber will acquaint participants with the legal restrictions pertaining to school district budget elections. More information and a registration form for the 2010 School Public Relations Forum can be found online. Attendees can also register through NSJBA’s Member Services department by calling (888) 886-5722, ext. 5260.

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