DG Supports Schools with Fall 2025 Ballot Measures
Donovan Group Supports Dozens of School Districts Nationwide in Fall 2025 Ballot Measure Campaigns
The Donovan Group provided strategic support to dozens of school districts across the country in connection with ballot measures appearing on the September and November 2025 ballots. While the outcomes of local elections vary, our role is to help school districts inform, engage, and earn trust in their communities.
“The whole team should be proud,” said Donovan Group Founding Partner Joe Donovan. “We don’t have control over the outcome of votes, but we communicated thoughtfully and honestly. Our work helps school districts tell their stories clearly and builds lasting relationships within their communities. We stand behind our process. No matter what, good communication helps build greater trust between school districts and the communities they serve.”
Across three states, the Donovan Group partnered with school districts on a diverse range of projects, including regional millages, supplemental levies, and multimillion-dollar general obligation bonds.
In Michigan, the firm supported two ballot measures: a career and technical education millage involving 10 school districts across an educational service district, and an operating millage for a single district.
In Idaho, the Donovan Group worked with a district to communicate the proposed renewal of a supplemental levy that funds preschool, all-day kindergarten, summer programs, and school resource officers.
In Iowa, the firm was involved with 30% of the 42 general obligation bond referendums on the November 4 ballot. These measures, which require a 60% supermajority to pass, remain among the most challenging measures for schools to secure.
The South Winneshiek Community School District in Iowa hired the Donovan Group after its initial bond failed to pass four years ago. At that time, the measure received 51% support. The Donovan Group partnered with SWCSD in 2025 to provide strategic communication support. The new $13 million bond proposal was approved with 67% voter support.
The Donovan Group also provided communication support in the September and November elections for 50%-threshold measures in Iowa, including successful Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) votes in four districts and two Revenue Purpose Statement approvals.
Donovan noted that each project, regardless of the final vote count, represented months of intensive preparation and daily collaboration between district leaders and the firm’s communication, design, video, and social media teams.
“These campaigns require clear communication under pressure,” said Donovan. “Our clients face nervous communities and last-minute information needs, and our team works around the clock to help districts respond with accuracy, transparency, and care.”
The firm emphasized the importance of early planning for any district considering a future ballot measure, encouraging schools to begin the community engagement process for potential November 2026 ballot measures in January.
Schedule a free discovery call with our team to learn how we can support your district through its next ballot measure.