PUBLIC MEETING - SALES TAX PROPOSITION

                                                     September 2, 1993    6:00 p.m.

Minutes

A public meeting was held in the Media Center of the School Board office on Thursday, September 2, 1993, to discuss strategies to inform the public of the needs of the school system and how the proposed 1.0 cent sales tax revenues will be spent.

The meeting was called to order by James E. Lee, superintendent.  After the prayer and pledge led by Mrs. Marie Cowan, vice-president of the Concordia Parish School Board, Dr. Pete Peterman, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, distributed informational materials and commented on the proposition and the dedication of funds.

Suggestions for mobilizing voter support for the sales tax were offered by the audience and listed for further consideration.  Those suggestions were:

             1.        Purchase ads in newspapers

             2.        Use pictures of roofs, desks, water fountains, etc. (include children)

             3.        Seek sponsorships from businesses, civic clubs, churches, service clubs (public endorsements)

             4.        Others besides Mr. Lee speaking out

             5.        Include all attendance areas in campaign

             6.        Set up a rumor center or hot line

             7.        Explain the 7-year limit

             8.        Mail out a packet of simplified material

             9.        Send out flyers with children

            10.       Purchase radio messages

            11.       Open the schools the week before the tax--have meetings at night with prizes for classes with most parents attending

            12.       Revise the slogan to include the idea of children first

            13.       Raise money to buy ads

            14.       Relate the tax to industries coming in--getting kids ready to work

            15.       Meet weekly to work on election strategy--form committees

            16.       Teachers can call parents or mail notes requesting their support

            17.       Election Day:

                        A.        Have a headquarters in all 3 areas with phones, a list of voters, staffed all day to call registered voters, provide rides, go house to house

                        B.         Certify people for the polls--2 for each precinct

                        C.        Appoint a phone canvass committee the week before the election and find supporters, then call them back on election day and remind them to vote

                        D.        Involve parents

It was agreed that those present would meet again on September 9, 1993.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Leinda Peterman, Secretary