Case Study: North Branch Area Public Schools breaks 15-year streak and passes all three bond measures with Thoughtexchange

How North Branch turned 15 years of ‘no’ to a resounding ‘yes

North Branch Area Public Schools, led by Superintendent Dr. Deb Henton, faced a long-standing challenge: after 15 years without a successful facilities bond and eight failed operational referendums, the district needed to overcome entrenched mistrust and reach a busy, commuter community that rarely attended meetings.

They partnered with Thoughtexchange to run broad-based, confidential exchanges that surfaced community concerns and allowed the district to tailor communications. The approach increased trust and confidence, helping North Branch pass all three bond questions in May 2017 by healthy margins (68%, 55% and 59%), turning years of “no” into a decisive “yes.”

North Branch Area Public Schools

Deb Henton

Superintendent