For many school districts, the holiday season is a time to wrap up before winter break. For the Educational Service District 112 Communications team, it signals something else entirely. It marks the ramp up of Bond and Levy season.
This year, the team supported 22 school districts across Washington with 30 measures on the February 2026 ballot. It was the largest number of districts and measures the team has ever taken on in a single election cycle.
The results reflect months of preparation, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to ensuring communities had clear and accurate information about measures that directly impact students.
How to Tackle 30 Measures at Once
The process began with individual meetings between the ESD 112 Communications team and each district to gather key information about the initiatives, understand the community’s perceived strengths and potential challenges, and identify communication opportunities.
In the past, districts often relied on ESD 112 primarily for informational mailers or handouts. Over the last several years, however, districts have increasingly sought comprehensive support, from initial messaging development to final community presentations. Both districts with communications staff and those without have successfully partnered with our team to supplement their information-sharing efforts.
For every district, the team:
- Developed clear, concise key messaging tailored to the district and community
- Coordinated reviews with district communications staff, superintendents, and chief financial officers to ensure accuracy and clarity
- Created materials including presentations, website content, social media graphics, videos, and print materials
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the team tailored services to each district’s unique needs. Some required extensive visual and digital materials. Others needed strategic messaging guidance and presentation support. In every case, the goal remained the same: ensure communities had accurate, accessible information to make informed decisions.
Strong Results in a Challenging Climate
Within the ESD 112 region, the Communications team assisted 12 of the 13 districts that placed measures on the ballot, nearly half of the districts in the region. All twelve of those districts saw successful outcomes, representing a 100 percent success rate.
In total, the team supported 22 districts on 30 combined measures statewide. All but one measure passed.
School bonds in Washington require a 60 percent supermajority to pass, making them significantly more challenging than levies. In today’s political climate, securing that level of voter approval requires clear, accurate, and strategic communication.
Of the 13 bond measures on the ballot statewide this February, only five passed. The ESD 112 Communications team supported three of those bonds. All three passed with approval rates of nearly 70 percent, well above the required threshold.
These results highlight the importance of clear messaging, community engagement, and strategic communications planning in helping districts share their stories.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The scale of this year’s effort reflects more than just increased demand. It reflects trust.
District leaders increasingly view ESD 112’s Communications team as a strategic partner in navigating complex messages. From explaining facility needs to outlining student program funding, the team helps districts translate technical details into community-centered messages that resonate.
For Jeff Chamberlain, Superintendent at University Place School District, that partnership made a meaningful difference throughout the process.
“From the earliest planning conversations to the final outreach push, ESD 112’s Communications Team brought the kind of expertise and insight that makes a real difference. Their strategic counsel, high-quality materials, and reliable social media support strengthened our work at every stage. We deeply appreciate their commitment to University Place, and we consider ESD 112 a trusted communications partner for the long haul.”
Port Townsend School District, which had three measures on the ballot, echoed that sentiment.
“ESD 112 provided examples of multi-modal communication and helped us tailor messaging to our community,” said Superintendent Linda Rosenbury. “They were with us every step of the way planning a multi-year strategy and helping us respond to emerging questions. I felt confident presenting to community groups with strong materials that focused on students.”
Supporting Student Success Through Informed Communities
While election night headlines focus on percentages and margins, the real impact of these results will be felt in classrooms, school facilities, and student programs across Washington. Successful bonds mean modernized buildings and safer learning environments. Passing levies means sustained academic programs, transportation, extracurricular activities, and student support services.
For the ESD 112 Communications team, the work isn’t about the spotlight. It’s about ensuring districts have the tools and strategic guidance to communicate clearly, transparently, and effectively with their communities. This year’s results demonstrate what’s possible when districts and regional partners work together with intention and focus, even during the busiest season of the year.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.