Washington State school districts are facing an increasing challenge in passing bonds and levies. Between 2015 and 2019, 198 bonds appeared on ballots, with 101 passing. However, from 2020 through 2024, only 102 bonds were proposed, and just 25 passed. This dramatic decline—from a 51% passage rate (2015–2019) to just 25% (2020–2024)—underscores a troubling trend in voter approval. Understanding voter trends over time is crucial, as many school districts are grappling with the same pressing question: how to fund necessary upgrades to aging school facilities?

Across the state, districts face mounting challenges related to deteriorating infrastructure, the need for modernization, shifting student enrollment patterns, and rising operating costs. Washington’s basic education funding model provides minimal state support for building construction and repairs, making voter-approved bonds and levies essential for these critical improvements.

Although Washington is known as a progressive state, many voters are more fiscally moderate than their political affiliations might suggest. Compounding this, local and state taxes have continued to rise, while education has fallen in priority for many voters. As a result, funding measures for school districts and other public institutions have struggled to gain traction.

In many ways, the facility needs of Washington students and educators are different than they were when the buildings they inhabit were built. For example, many of the buildings were constructed during an era when fire safety was the primary concern, resulting in designs featuring multiple exterior doors for quick evacuation. However, evolving safety risks and modern teaching strategies now demand facilities that not only protect students but also support contemporary learning and community needs. Unfortunately, while the demand for school construction and modernization has reached historic highs, bond passage rates have hit historic lows.

With nearly three decades in school administration, including serving as the proud superintendent of the West Valley School District, OAC Special Projects Manager Gene Sementi has witnessed firsthand the impact of both successful and failed bond measures. Gene works with districts statewide to plan and execute their bond measures. Having supported multiple bond efforts and more than 20 levy passages, he understands the critical importance of community engagement, strategic communication, and voter education in securing the necessary funding for our schools.

To help districts navigate these challenges, OAC has partnered with Strategies 360, a public affairs firm that specializes in voter-approved funding, to bring together expertise in school facility planning and strategic communications. Through voter research, focus groups, and over a decade of experience supporting school districts, we have identified key strategies that can significantly improve the likelihood of bond passage. Below is a roadmap outlining proven approaches for engaging communities, building trust, and crafting effective communication strategies that resonate with voters.

1. Start Early
  • Begin facility assessments and long-range planning 18–24 months before a ballot measure
  • Involve the entire community, including skeptics, to build trust and address concerns proactively
  • Conduct surveys and research to understand voter priorities and perceptions
2. Prioritize Community Engagement
  • Be transparent about costs, timelines, and tangible benefits
  • Use multiple outreach strategies—town halls, school tours, and community presentations—to foster dialogue and address concerns
  • Encourage community input at every stage, allowing residents to ask questions, provide feedback, and take ownership of the process
3. Communicate Effectively
  • Develop a multi-channel communication plan that includes community meetings, mailers, and digital outreach
  • Ensure accessibility by addressing language barriers and meeting logistics.
  • Keep messaging clear and digestible: for example, “Our high school has 65 exterior doors, making security a challenge.”
4. Highlight the Benefits
  • Frame projects in voter-friendly categories, like Health & Safety, Career Readiness, and Modernization & Repairs
  • Demonstrate fiscal responsibility: “New HEPA-filtered HVAC systems lower long-term costs while improving air quality.”
  • Emphasize community-wide benefits rather than individual school improvements.
  • Prioritize safety messaging, explaining how security upgrades will protect students and enhance schools as community assets
Conclusion

Passing a school bond in today’s climate requires more than just identifying facility needs—it demands a well-crafted strategy that builds trust and fosters strong community support. By implementing these proven approaches, districts can improve their chances of passing bonds, ensuring that students, staff, and communities benefit from safe, modern, and well-equipped schools.

The future of our schools depends on our ability to engage, educate, and inspire our communities to invest in the next generation. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a commitment to transparency, we can work together to secure the funding necessary to provide students with the learning environments they deserve.

“Passing a school bond isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about trust,” says Rachel Nakanishi, Vice President of Education Communication for Strategies 360. “Our research shows that when school districts engage their communities early and consistently, they build the credibility needed for success at the ballot box.” The bond campaign shouldn’t be the first time your community hears from the district—voters are far more likely to support a measure when they feel informed, valued, and confident in the district’s transparency and long-term planning.

Passing a bond is not just about securing funding—it’s about reinforcing the connection between schools and the communities they serve. By tailoring these guidelines to your unique community, districts can improve their chances of bond passage, ensuring that our schools can meet the needs of the next generation.

Strategies 360 is a Seattle-based public affairs firm specializing in campaigns for voter-approved funding initiatives. Strategies 360 was founded on the principle that successful outcomes and communications strategies are closely intertwined.