Over the years, Edunomics Lab has commissioned lots of messaging research on district finances. Here’s some of what we’ve learned:
Don’t soft pedal. And avoid business-y terms, like deficit, efficiency, or productivity. (This one’s hard for Edunomics. So much of our vocabulary popped up on the “No” list.)
It’s a mistake to talk finance and not mention kids. It’s not enough to commit to protecting schools, staff, or classrooms. Leaders must be clear they are focused on students.
Here’s a hard one: Leaders must invite communities to weigh in on different options, even if some seem like a bad idea. (Layoffs, program cuts, canceling raises, closures, furloughs.) Handing down an already-baked plan makes people feel the district is doing something to them, not with them.
|
|
