What is a Message Map?

1. What is a Message Map? A system for formally organizing the information needed to compellingly communicate about an organization, cause, product, issue, or service. At it’s essence, it is… A “cheat sheet” for communicating key messages. A tool to identify key messages. A visual representation of your key messages in a simple format.

2. Message Platform SMART Initiative: The District is asking the Broward community to make a financial investment in our schools by supporting a general obligation bond referendum on November 4, 2014. CoreMessage Today’s SMART investments lead to tomorrow’s SMART students.. Message Pillars Talk SMART What info can we share with them? Learn SMART Why should they take an interest? Act SMART What do we want them to do? • Invest in critically needed funding for Safety, Music & Art, Athletics, Renovations and Technology (SMART). • Quality of schools is important to the success of the entire community. • Average homeowner will experience a minimal change in property taxes. • District invested in independent, comprehensive Facilities Needs Assessment. • All schools will benefit from SMART. • Significant organizational structure changes implemented over the past few years. • $800 million in general obligation bonds • Establish new Oversight Committee for SMART • Over past 2-3 years, District reduced expenses and increased operational efficiencies. • 2008/09: State reduced amount of money the District can collect in property taxes (millage) to support school capital projects. • More than 30 million square feet of school buildings must be maintained, renovated or replaced. • Needs exist county-wide. • Implementing student-focused, personalized learning initiatives which require technology. • Allows District to invest in music, arts & athletics while making much needed facility improvements and technology needs. • Quality of our school facilities directly impacts student learning. • Impact for ahomeowner with a home valued at $225,000 will be about $50 per year or less than $5 per month. Less than $1 week. • School facility needs will be prioritized. • Ensure equity among schools via an independent and comprehensive Facilities Needs Assessment. • Transparent process, with community oversight and input. • Don’t overburden taxpayers; execute projects successfully in a reasonable amount of time. • Since 2011, realized savings of $35M; redirected to classroom. • 2008 until now: $1.8B of funds not provided for capital projects due to state reduction in the capital tax rate. • Average age of a building is 27 years old. • Numerous projects, such as roofing projects, are on hold; will cost > $32 million to complete. • District needs new computers, more computers and infrastructure upgrades. • District’s student to computer ratio is 5:1. Near bottom of state. • Established SMART Speaks (Speaker’s Bureau) if community groups and organizations want the District to come out to discuss SMART. • All schools will benefit from SMART. • Visit browardschools.com/smartfutures or browardsmartfutures for more information. • Call 754-321-1104 for more information or if you have a question or concern. • Take action on November 4 – choose to invest in our students. • Visit District’s Legislative website on browardschools.com. • More than 300 community meetings are being planned to discuss the SMARTinitiative and the Facilities Needs Assessment. • Learn more about Broward schools at browardschools.com. • Read more about the fantastic students, amazing educators and exciting programs at BCPS. Check out the Friday Focus on browardschools.com. • Learn about how to get involved with BCPS Schools – catch the spirit. Visit browardschools.com or call 754-321-2300. Key Messages Talking Points SMART Voices: Message Map Last revised: 7/28/14