It's More Than A Vote

The Strategy, Storytelling, and Trust Behind Referendum Planning

When a school district decides to pursue a bond referendum, the stakes are high. A successful vote can unlock transformative improvements—safer buildings, updated and expanded classrooms, and upgraded infrastructure. But a failed referendum can cost more than dollars. It can stall momentum, erode public trust, diminish staff morale, and set important priorities back years.

ISG believes the path to a successful yes vote doesn’t begin with a ballot. It begins with a story, a strategy, and the community.

A Proven + People-Centered Process

ISG’s approach to pre-referendum services is built on the core belief that your community will not support a solution until they understand the problem and have trust in your process, which is why our pre-referendum services are rooted in strategy, empathy, and experience. We guide districts through a transparent, community-centered engagement process that compiles meaningful data, shapes clear messaging, and creates outreach materials that meet people where they are. From tax impact visuals to community surveys to ready-to-use mailers and public meetings, we deliver materials that inform, engage, and build trust.

• While many firms can offer floorplans and renderings, ISG offers more: an entire process grounded in people, planning, and purpose. We believe in:
• Starting early. Strong referendums are never rushed. We give districts time to ask questions, hear feedback, and course-correct when needed.
• Letting data lead. From demographic projections and facility conditions to tax tolerance research, we bring the numbers that inform good decisions.
• The power of storytelling. Every community has a story. We help you tell yours with heart, clarity, and credibility through visuals, messaging, and voices from within the district.
• Meaningful engagement. Referenda succeed when people are included. We build processes that bring diverse voices to the table.
• Tailored solutions. No two communities are the same. We don’t have templates, we do what’s right for your district and your voters.

More than anything, ISG helps you tell your story clearly, confidently, and in a way that resonates with the people who matter most: your voters.

Le Mars Community School District: A Roadmap in Action

A Bold Vision, Shaped By Community

In 2024, the Le Mars Community School District faced a pivotal crossroads. With three aging, over-capacity elementary schools and enrollment on the rise, the community needed to decide whether to invest in existing facilities, add a fourth elementary, or build something entirely new. The challenge was complex, but the district, with ISG’s guidance, embraced a transparent, data-driven process to find the right path forward.

Participation + Engagement Make A Difference

The journey began with a comprehensive facility study led by ISG’s in-house team of architects, planners, engineers, and educators. With clear data on building conditions, educational needs, and projected enrollment, the district had the foundation it needed to evaluate all options.

ISG then supported the formation of a community task force, bringing educators, parents, and local influencers together. This group played a central role in evaluating the district’s facility needs and potential solutions. Together, they explored a range of scenarios—from investing in additions at existing schools to constructing a new, centralized elementary school serving all PK–5 students. The task force worked closely with ISG to understand the data, ask questions, and weigh the pros and cons of each path forward.

After the task force helped identify possible solutions, ISG developed and distributed a district-wide community survey to gather broader input. Offered in both digital and paper formats, the survey received an impressive 34% response rate—well above typical 20% engagement level. The results gave the district valuable insight into community priorities, concerns, and support levels for different options.

As the referendum process advanced, ISG supported the district in building understanding and trust through transparent, consistent communication. Public forums, targeted conversations, and clear visual materials helped explain the facility challenges, proposed solutions, and tax impacts. Local influencers and community leaders played a key role in answering questions, fostering dialogue, and ensuring residents felt heard and informed leading up to the vote.

A Community-Aligned Outcome

Ultimately, the community rallied behind a bold decision to build a new 1,200-student elementary school—an ambitious move that few districts make today. In November 2024, voters approved a $49.97 million bond referendum, that will contribute to the $76 million school slated to open in August of 2028.

Why The Story Matters

This story is about more than facilities—it’s about a community choosing its future. Through strategic planning, thoughtful engagement, and confident storytelling, the Le Mars Community School District set a roadmap others can follow.

“ISG is professional, knowledgeable, experienced, proactive, intelligent, modern, and district-first. Their communication is first-rate. They are large enough to be departmentalized with experts focusing complete attention on their role. This has proven to be very beneficial for our district.” – Steve Webner, Superintendent, Le Mars Community School District

Thinking About A Referendum? Let’s Talk.

If your district is exploring a bond referendum—or even wondering where to begin—now is the time to start the conversation. Whether you are in the early planning stages or recovering from a failed attempt, ISG can help you chart a path forward that’s rooted in strategy, trust, and community voice.

We will help you craft a compelling case, build a campaign that reflects your district’s values, and turn your vision into a shared story of success.

Reach out to our education team today, and let’s build something your community can say yes to.