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Home Programs Education Programs School Participatory Budgeting in Arizona Resource Hub SPB Coordinator Proposal Development

Proposal Development

SPB Coordinator:

With the support of SPB Sponsors and school and district leaders, steering committee students work in teams to review and sort ideas collected from their school and turn ideas into project proposals through research. School and District leaders approve projects for the final ballot. SPB Coordinators should clearly outline the steps for submitting proposals for approval at both the site and district levels.

 

Remind SPB Sponsors and steering committees about how to develop proposals

At the outset of this phase, it is important to remind SPB Sponsors and steering committees about the process for turning hundreds of collected ideas into ballot-ready project proposals. This includes information about the procurement process, how to submit project proposals for approval and the eligibility and feasibility of projects. Typical project parameters for capital investments, include:

  • Cost no more than the allocated budget
  • Benefit the students and or the school
  • Be located on the school district property
  • Be a one-time expenditure

Support SPB Sponsors & Steering Committees

In the proposal development phase, SPB Coordinators, Sponsors, and school and district leaders play a key role in managing the feasibility and eligibility of projects. It is important to work closely with the SPB Sponsors, steering committee, campus administrators and pertinent stakeholders at the district (e.g. procurement staff, logistics and maintenance staff, etc.) to ensure project proposals are approved for the final ballot. SPB Coordinators should clearly outline the steps for submitting proposals for approval at both the site and district levels.

Review and Approve Project Proposals

Project proposals from each campus are submitted to and reviewed by school and district leaders. You might invite students to present their projects to these stakeholders or submit project proposals to be reviewed electronically. Either way, school and district leaders play a critical role in facilitating youth-adult partnerships throughout proposal development. It is important for all stakeholders to:

  • Be flexible in the process (e.g. If a project is not feasible in one area of campus, it may be approved in a different location)
  • Work together to find a solution that serves all stakeholders, elevates student voice, and addresses the root problem the project is designed to address
  • Share feedback to SPB Sponsors and steering committees, especially on projects not approved

 

Tips for Proposal Development:

  • Encourage steering committees to host a primary vote to engage more students in the decision-making process around narrowing ideas.
  • Inform district-approved vendors about the SPB process to create efficiency for steering committees and SPB Sponsors as they conduct research on costs and request vendor quotes.
  • Create a list of district-approved vendors and contact information to share with schools.
  • Determine the best contact for procurement and purchasing questions at the school or district level and encourage the SPB Sponsors (and possibly the steering committee) to reach out. Consider inviting the personnel to a steering committee meeting early on in the proposal development process to build stronger relationships and understanding.
  • Develop a project proposal tracker to promote transparency in the proposal approval process.

 

Campaign, Deliberate, & Vote ❯