REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
Weld RE-1 School District
Development of Enrollment, Marketing, and Community Engagement Strategy
– Proposal Submission Deadline: 1/3/25
– Evaluation and Selection: 1/15/25
– Project Kickoff: Early February 2025
Please submit proposals via email to the following address: childressb@wcsdre1.org
Contact: Brian Childress
970-350-4208
Weld RE-1 School District invites qualified firms or individuals to submit proposals for the development of a comprehensive strategy and communications plan to address declining PreK-12 enrollment, foster community engagement, and prepare for a potential ballot initiative in November 2025. This work will include data collection, messaging development, marketing strategy, and the creation of communication materials to support enrollment growth and long-term district sustainability.
II. Background
Weld RE-1 is a public school district located in Colorado, serving a diverse population of students and families. Like many districts in the region, Weld RE-1 faces challenges associated with declining enrollment due to factors such as choice enrollment into neighboring districts, declining birth rates, limited new residential housing, and an aging local population. Additionally, the district operates in a fiscally conservative community, making clear, transparent communication about its financial stewardship and the benefits of investing in the local school system critical for success.
The district intends to address these challenges by launching an early Open Enrollment window in spring 2025, supported by a robust marketing push. Simultaneously, the district seeks to lay the groundwork for a community-supported ballot initiative in November 2025.
III. Scope of Work
The selected vendor will collaborate with Weld RE-1 to complete the following:
1. Data Collection and Analysis
– Gather and analyze existing data, including:
– Community research and polling results.
– Community sentiment data.
– Previous campaign and election outcomes.
– Case-building data provided by the district.
– Anecdotal information on successful campaigns within Weld RE-1 and neighboring districts.
2. Development of a Communication and Community Engagement Plan
– Create a strategic communication and community engagement plan informed by the collected data and best practices for school district initiatives.
3. Messaging Development and Material Creation
– Craft core messaging tailored to key audiences, emphasizing the district’s fiduciary responsibility and the value of investing in local schools.
– Develop supportive materials, including:
– FAQs.
– Website and social media content.
– Direct communications to families, staff, and registered voters.
– Marketing content for Open Enrollment and the ballot initiative.
4. Event Materials and Talking Points
– Create talking points and event materials for use by district and school leadership at community events, meetings, and other speaking engagements.
5. Spokesperson Training and Support
– Identify and prepare district leaders and spokespeople.
– Provide training and coaching on community engagement, public speaking, and messaging delivery.
IV. Deliverables
– Comprehensive communication and community engagement plan.
– Messaging framework and suite of supportive materials.
– Graphic design and content for marketing efforts, including flyers, posters, website updates, and social media campaigns.
– Event-specific materials and speaking points.
– Training sessions for district leaders and spokespeople.
– Timelines and benchmarks for the project’s success.
