Route to Referendum Success: Strategies to Get to Yes
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REFERENDUM SUCCESS: Strategies to Get to Yes American Association of Community Colleges 93 rd Annual Convention April 23, 2013 ROUTE TO
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The Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) referendum was conducted during tough economic times and a turbulent political landscape. Miron Construction worked with Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) to clearly identify FVTC's needs. Extensive input was gathered from key stakeholder groups including faculty, staff, students and valued community partners. Dr. Susan May, FVTC president, said: "EUA and Miron helped us design a process to gain public support from all constituencies, one that assisted FVTC in making effective and efficient decisions in a relatively short time frame." The result was a $66.5 million referendum that passed with 66 percent approval. Craig Uhlenbrauck, vice president of marketing for Miron who works first-hand with all educational projects, could speak to their approach on this and any educational project in their portfolio.
Transcript of 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
ROU
TE T
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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!
