As voters consider whether to pass the $370 million bond proposal for Wichita schools, supporters hope a compelling argument for their needs will overcome the challenges of a weakened economy. For Wichita's bond opponents, the economy is one of the main reasons for voters to reject the bond issue. Wichita isn't the only school system asking residents to raise taxes amid high fuel prices and rising unemployment. Districts nationwide are trying different tactics, from scaling back bond plans to launching door-to-door campaigns, to persuade voters to pass bond issues. Local and national experts say that no matter how big a role the economy might play, the campaigns that lay out a clear case for community investment and provide details on how the proposals will affect each voter have a fighting chance. "A good case can cut through all the noise," said Bart Hildreth, a Kansas Regents distinguished professor of public finance at Wichita State University. "A bad case will get caught in the noise." ...
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