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FAQs - Community Engagement Process

III. Community Engagement Process
 
Q: How will the referendum be set up? Will we be voting for one concept or two?
A: State law only allows one YES/NO question on the ballot, worded very specifically as prescribed by the state. In order to get to that point, the district and community will need to narrow the concepts over the course of the coming months to one specific concept. The referendum will then ask voters for permission to incur debt for a specific amount based on that project. The district will be able to provide some clarifying information on the ballot as well (could be used to describe the selected building project/concept). This is an example of the way the question will be worded:
■ FOR EXAMPLE: Shall debt in the sum of Seventy Nine Million Nine Hundred Two Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Two Dollars
($79,902,362.00) for the purpose of financing the construction of additions and improvements to the State College Area High School be
authorized to be incurred as debt approved by the electors?
 
Q: “Community Survey” is listed as an ongoing part of community engagement. When and how will the community be surveyed? How will the survey results be utilized to gauge our communityʼs support of a particular referendum concept?
A: In May 2013, surveys will be mailed to a random selection of 6,750 households in the district. Surveys can be returned by mail directly to our survey company, Social Science Research Solutions, or answered online. The survey is designed to provide the School Board with scientifically valid data about which concepts for the high school facility have significant community support. Results of the survey are expected to be released this summer during a public Board meeting. SSRS expects about 1,300 responses, which would present scientifically valid data.
 
Q: At what point will you be asking for community input on the site and design options?
A: We have been asking for community input at community forums and meetings, through comments on our website, at Board meetings, and through talking with the members of our Community Engagement Action Team, in addition to a formal survey in May. There will continue to be many opportunities for members of the community to ask questions and provide input to the school board as the process of selecting a final project for voter approval continues.
 
Q: How do we reach all demographics?
A: The Community Engagement Action Team and the Board of School Directors are actively discussing this issue. We have added community conversations in our elementary schools in order to reach different geographic areas of the district. We are also conducting presentations at local retirement communities. Any suggestions are appreciated.
 
Q: How do we expand community interest?
A: One of the goals of the Community Engagement Action Team is to reach out to the many clubs, groups and organizations represented by those members and share with them the process, educate them on the current and future needs for the students and the buildings/systems, and encourage them to get involved in this open and transparent process. We ask everyone to share information with neighbors. As the project progresses, we will continue to share information in a variety of ways to inform and engage the community. The high school project is an investment in the future of the whole community.