“Paul Hanley is a force. Data-driven, keenly thoughtful, and singularly focused on building strong public support, Paul and his team at Beyond Your Base helped us educate and inform a deeply divided electorate. Drawing upon his 30-plus years of referendum-related experience, Paul gave us the insights, strategic guidance, and confidence we needed to deliver a winning $105.7 million bond to address the aging infrastructure of our 88-year-old high school. No one knows this kind of work better than Paul Hanley.”

 

Dr. Matthew Montgomery
Superintendent
Lake Forest Community High School District 115

“Respect your taxpayers. That’s the advice that Paul Hanley gave me years ago, and it’s proven to be a game changer. When you follow Mr. Hanley’s public engagement strategies, it allows for the development of funding proposals that have strong community ownership.”

 

Michael J. Leonard, CPRE
Executive Director
Channahon Park District, IL

“I don’t know anyone who knows more about effectively engaging taxpayers than Paul Hanley.”

 

Michael McCarty, CPRP
Executive Director
Glenview Park District, IL

"Paul Hanley has assisted our school district with five successful ballot measures, providing more than $1.5 billion in funding. His taxpayer-focused strategies have allowed our district to address its highest priority capital improvement and operating needs, benefiting more than 30,000 students."

 

Dr. Don Haddad, Ed.D.
Superintendent
St. Vrain Valley School District, CO
2013 National Superintendent of the Year

"The passage of our $420 million bond referendum was not possible without the direct and indirect support of Beyond Your Base. Through their professionalism, they provided exemplary support and guidance in helping to make a herculean task more manageable and doable. Paul Hanley is an extremely knowledgeable person who has the ability to take what is difficult and make it simple for all to understand. It was the right choice to go with Beyond Your Base. We are grateful for their support.”

​

Dr. Adrian Talley
Superintendent

Indian Prairie School District 204

"Platte Valley School District has worked with Paul Hanley on five voter-approved funding measures, helping to address our district’s highest-priority operating and capital facility needs. Paul and the Beyond Your Base team have worked to understand what our community thinks and what makes them tick. They truly engage in our process at Platte Valley, provide guidance, and most importantly listen to the people on the ground.”

 

Jeremy Burmeister, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Platte Valley School District, Weld Re-7, CO

"Beyond Your Base was instrumental in helping us successfully pass our $13.86 million referendum with 74% support. Paul Hanley and the BYB team listened carefully to our staff, board, and residents, and provided expert advice and support in navigating the pre-referendum process. The BYB team was highly responsive, easy to work with, and always professional. We could not have achieved this success without their dedication and expertise. I highly recommend Beyond Your Base!”

 

Jenny Bechtold, CPRE

Executive Director

Park District of La Grange

“When we were considering referendum consultants, we were told by colleagues who had successfully passed referendums: “Hire Paul Hanley, and then do exactly everything that he says!” I’m pleased to say that we followed that great advice, and now I’m passing it on to others. We trusted Paul every step of the way. He has a strong process, and always has another way to get at a problem.”

 

Lynn Glickman, Ed.D.

Community Consolidated School District 46, IL

“Paul Hanley and Beyond the Base provided critical support for our school district’s effort to consider and pass a bond ballot measure from our first conversation right up to election day. Paul helped me select a strong Citizen Task Force and lead them through an advisory process to create the best possible proposal. Solid research and data was an important part of this, and Paul’s confidence and experience reassured us that we were making correct data-based decisions throughout the process. Paul knew what questions to ask, how to interpret the data, and how to lead the conversation about making adjustments, but leaving the decisions up to the Task Force and me. Paul also helped us to effectively engage our entire community so voters were well informed going into the polls. Paul’s guidance produced results; while previous ballot measures in our district passed by close margins, 64% of voters approved our measure during an uncertain time when increased taxes were of huge voter concern. Thank you Beyond the Base!”

 

John Pandolfo

Superintendent

Telluride School District, CO

“North Metro Fire has worked with Paul Hanley on two very successful ballot measures. In fact, the most recent measure passed with 75% support. I think one key to our success at the polls was our commitment to carefully listen to our taxpayers using the tools and strategies developed by Paul and his team. It is nice to work with someone like Paul, who aligns with our values and respects our taxpayers.”

 

David Ramos

Fire Chief

North Metro Fire Rescue District, CO

“Paul Hanley has been instrumental in assisting Montcalm Community College pass millage renewals over the past 20 years. His knowledge of voter turnout and use of data are key to successful voter approval. He is also very direct in sharing his thoughts and concerns, which were greatly appreciated. Because of Paul’s efforts and expertise, the college now has 10 years of additional stability in our revenue stream which is a great benefit to our students, staff and community.”

 

Connie Stewart, MBA, SPHR

Interim President

Montcalm Community College, MI

"Paul Hanley and the Beyond Your Base team helped us achieve 71% support for a $99.5 million referendum in April 2023. With a clear understanding of our voter base, Paul and his team developed materials that communicated the district’s need to improve its aging facilities. Feedback from BYB’s public opinion research then helped us outline a community-driven path toward success. Paul’s wisdom and guidance made all the difference."

 

Dr. Theresa R. Rouse
Superintendent
Joliet Public Schools District 86, IL

“District 58 faced several daunting challenges regarding its facilities. The 13 schools were in need of critical repairs totaling $179 million. The last successful referendum in the District was 30 years ago and the last comprehensive referendum that addressed all facilities passed in 1950. To put it mildly, passing any type of upgrades to the schools was extremely challenging in our community. Paul Hanley and the team from Beyond Your Base helped us engage our entire community and finalize a plan that had widespread support. The ballot measure passed by a wide margin with approximately 68% support.”

 

Dr. Kevin Russell
Superintendent of Schools
Downers Grove Grade School District 58, IL

“Paul Hanley and Beyond Your Base played a critical role in helping our large and diverse district pass a successful referendum measure in November 2022. Paul brings decades worth of successful partnerships with school districts from across the country to the work he does with and for you. He draws from an incredible depth of knowledge surrounding the very complex referendum process, shares lessons learned in order to help guide the work of your district’s pre-referendum campaign, while also serving as a no-nonsense sounding board throughout all aspects of work prior to and after the Board adopts a referendum measure. I recommend any district serious about putting together a comprehensive and successful campaign strongly consider hiring Paul Hanley and Beyond Your Base.”

 

Dr. Laurie Heinz, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Community Consolidated School District 15, IL

"The Beyond Your Base team adeptly defined our project scope, crafted compelling messaging, and devised a strategic communication plan to inform and engage our community. Their insightful voter analysis and deep understanding of the electorate truly set them apart. BYB’s unwavering guidance, responsiveness, and grace under pressure were invaluable. Thanks to their expertise, we passed a successful referendum with 70% voter approval!  We highly recommend Beyond Your Base for their strategic guidance, execution, and exceptional teamwork.”

 

Lisa Sheppard, CPRP

Executive Director

Glencoe Park District

"Beyond Your Base was instrumental in shaping the information campaign that led to the passage of our $149.5 million referendum in November 2024. Their use of taxpayer-focused strategies and public affairs expertise created a roadmap to success. They were able to simplify complex issues, analyze voter tendencies, and provide clear and consistent direction to turn community support into voter action. If you need to pass a referendum, hiring Paul Hanley and the Beyond Your Base team is the best decision you can make.”

 

Dr. Kevin Myers

Superintendent

Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120

“Our 2022 bond referendum for $114,400,000 was successful because we followed the steps outlined by Paul Hanley of Beyond Your Base. North Shore School District 112 passed its bond measure with 72% “yes” votes. This mandate and community support can be attributed to the Board & administration’s work with Paul Hanley and Beyond Your Base. The District last successfully passed a bond measure 25 years ago, and a brutal failed referendum effort in 2016 nearly broke the community apart. Paul Hanley’s expertise helped restore the community’s faith in the Board of Education.”

 

Michael Lubelfeld, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
North Shore School District 112, IL

“In 2020, Paul Hanley helped us create a public outreach program that informed the community and encouraged feedback. With the insights we gained, including feedback from a public opinion survey, we were able to confidently move forward with a bond initiative that focused on what taxpayers valued most. The $94.3 million measure passed with 73% support. Local tax measures in Aspen and Snowmass Village that also provided funding for educational purposes were also overwhelmingly supported.”

 

Susan Marolt
Past President
Aspen School District Board of Education, CO

“Paul Hanley led us through the public engagement process on a $33.4 million referendum ballot measure to renovate our existing ice rink, add a new studio rink and indoor turf field, and provide park improvements. Part of the process included working with a Citizen Task Force to test and approve the project. Paul was very effective in providing an independent voice to the group while asserting his expertise in a respectful manner. In November 2022, despite the volatile economic climate, we successfully passed the referendum with a 56% success. I would highly recommend Paul Hanley.”

 

Gayle Mountcastle
Executive Director
Park Ridge Park District, IL

“The Winnetka Public Schools directly benefited from the extensive expertise of Paul Hanley and the team at Beyond Your Base. As we navigated a second attempt at a referendum effort that was more representative of the community’s priorities and needs, Paul’s thoughtful guidance was evident in every step in the process. As a result of Paul Hanley’s partnership, the ballot measure passed with over 60% support, allowing our school district to make necessary repairs and improvements given a $59.4 million dollar project approval.”

 

Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent of Schools
The Winnetka Public Schools, District 36, IL

“After our bond initiative and mill levy override failed by just three votes in 2019, we knew it was worth going to the ballot again in 2020. This time, however, instead of going it alone, we enlisted the help of Beyond Your Base. Paul Hanley and his team worked with us to identify voter concerns, craft a community-based plan, and simplify our messaging. In the end, even when the pandemic threatened to derail our momentum, the $149 million bond measure and mill levy override passed resoundingly.”

 

Leslie Arnold
Former Superintendent
Weld County RE-5J School District, CO

"Going through the election process can be daunting. We didn’t know where to begin. Paul Hanley and the Beyond Your Base introduced us to a community-driven approach that, in the end, paid off. Our community voted 62% in favor of the mill levy. Our department will now be able to serve our community more efficiently and safely."

 

David Girardin
Fire Chief
Security Fire Protection District, CO

“Faced with tremendous growth in call volume and a lack of resources to attract qualified personnel or replace aging emergency services equipment, passing a mill levy initiative in November 2020 was critical to the survival of Calhan Fire Protection District. Paul Hanley helped us develop and communicate an outreach program that focused on the needs of both our department and the community. His approach was thorough, thoughtful and validating. In the end, voters clearly understood our needs and overwhelmingly stood behind us at the polls.”

 

Albert Kobilan
Chairman, Board of Directors
Calhan Fire Protection District, CO

"Paul Hanley and the Beyond Your Base team were instrumental in our district’s successful passage of two ballot measures in November 2021. In fact, we were the only Colorado school district to successfully pass both a bond and mill levy override measure during this election cycle. Paul’s inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to public engagement was instrumental in building voter trust. He took the time to understand our district’s needs and constraints, as well as our voters’ concerns and values. I am so glad we hired Paul Hanley to guide us through this complex process to success."

 

Susan Lacy
Superintendent
Ridgway School District, CO

"Paul Hanley and the BYB staff were instrumental in CRFR getting a tax measure passed. Paul was able to develop a core message that spoke to our community. All our communications were strategic, transparent, and developed to engage community partnerships now and into the future. With BYB’s help, our mill levy tax measure passed with 68% support from the community."

 

Leif Sackett
Fire Chief
Colorado River Fire Rescue, CO

"Our bond measure passed with 76% support. Why? Because we asked our community what they wanted to do with their schools. Paul Hanley and his team guided authentic stakeholder engagement that generated our community’s plan. People support what they help to create."

 

Dr. Brian K. Wegley
Former Superintendent
Northbrook|Glenview School District 30, IL

“Paul Hanley assisted our district in building strong public support for a new community recreation center. His approach was focused on involving taxpayers throughout the planning process, which was precisely what was needed to deliver success at the polls.”

 

Gary Major
Former Executive Director
West Chicago Park District, IL

"As school districts consider referendums to modernize and improve their school buildings, it is imperative that the process include skilled and expert advice, which is precisely what Paul Hanley provides. Paul has helped many districts, including ours, run successful campaigns. He is one of the nation’s very best referendum consultants, and districts that want to get it right the first time can count on Paul and his team to give them the best chance of success."

 

Dr. Ken Wallace
Superintendent
Maine Township High School District 207, IL

"Paul Hanley’s approach is about connecting, listening, and understanding the community. His efforts helped us determine what our taxpayers valued and his work was essential in passing a $136.6 million bond issue with strong support. As our construction is underway, I am continually complimented on the process of securing support for the project as a key part of the product. The two are inseparable to our residents."

 

Dr. Hank Thiele
Superintendent
Community High School District 99, IL

"Through a comprehensive public policy program, Paul Hanley was able to define what our local taxpayers would support and presented these results in a clear and understandable manner. Without his guidance, we would have surely asked for too much at the ballot box."

 

Dr. Steven R. Wrobleski
Superintendent
LaSalle-Peru Township High School
District 120, IL

"New Trier Township High School District 203 retained Paul Hanley to help us develop and implement a comprehensive public outreach program. In the end, our district was successful in obtaining 65 percent support for an $89 million bond issue. I was extremely impressed with Mr. Hanley’s knowledge, expertise, guidance and responsiveness to our needs."

 

Dr. Linda Yonke
Former Superintendent
New Trier Township High School District 203, IL

“It was obvious to us that the community perceived public safety and their personal safety differently since the pandemic. Paul Hanley at Beyond Your Base was able to assist us in understanding the community’s current values and what mattered to them the most when it came to their public safety. This allowed us to obtain a community focused approach utilizing data to formulate the proper communication and educational strategy to present a $19 million debt service question on the ballot in May of 2022. With Paul and his staff assisting us through the process, we were able to obtain a 61% pass rate to maintain and enhance the emergency services our community deserves and expects.”

 

Jeremy A. Young
Fire Chief
Frederick-Firestone Fire District, CO

“I can't speak highly enough of Paul Hanley and the job he did in leading our district to a successful Education Fund referendum. He adeptly led us through the entire process including the voices of all key stakeholders. We passed our referendum with 76% support and that's greatly due to the leadership of Paul.”

 

Elaine Aumiller, Ed. D.
Former Superintendent
Mount Prospect School District 57, IL

“Beyond Your Base provided Glenview School District 34 with a comprehensive approach to educating the public, assessing its wishes, and involving community stakeholders. Our successful $119M referendum is evidence of a well-informed community that understood the need for and the benefits of the improvements and the positive impact this will have for decades into the future.”

 

Dane A. Delli, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Glenview School District 34, IL

“For over many years, Paul Hanley has helped pass several important ballot initiatives in our Town, most recently in the last election, a public safety tax passed with over 60% support. His experience, attention to detail and communication skills are second to none. I highly recommend Paul for your next project.”

 

Tony Carey
Former Mayor
Town of Frederick, CO

“Paul Hanley and his team worked closely with our district and its constituency to get a bond measure passed for construction of the Estes Valley Community Center. Paul took a bold approach and, rather than telling us what he thought we wanted to hear, told us what we needed to hear – that there were strategies to be considered which could improve not only our chances at the polls, but the overall relationship with our patrons. Paul gave us strong advice coupled with the latitude to maintain ‘owner control’ of our election, and we could not be happier with the outcome.”

 

Tom Carosello
Executive Director
Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, CO

“With Paul Hanley’s guidance, the White Oak Library District passed a $23 million building bond issue in a very fiscally conservative area and during a recession. He is that good.”

 

Scott E. Pointon
Director
White Oak Library District, IL

“Ignacio School District is located in Southwest Colorado. Our community is made up of ranchers and other very fiscally conservative groups. Paul Hanley’s firm was hired to communicate with taxpayers about a $50 million bond proposal. Paul and his team diligently and systematically presented the facts, the needs and the financial impact, as well as carefully listening to our taxpayers. His approach delivered success at the polls, dramatically improving our district’s aging school facilities.”

 

Rocco Fuschetto, Ed. D.
Former Superintendent of Schools
Ignacio School District, CO

“Paul Hanley assisted our district with a great plan. He identified our likely voters, developed a message that would resonate, and dialed in a dollar amount that had a fighting chance of success. With his strategies of engagement, the district was successful in passing a $218 million bond measure.”

 

David Horner, SFO
Chief Financial Officer
Pueblo School District 60, CO

“Paul Hanley’s comprehensive Public Policy Program is just that! He guided our district in building strong public support by involving our constituents throughout the planning process. He provided expert guidance and our community passed our proposal on its first attempt!”

 

Alfie Lotrich
Superintendent of Schools/Elementary Principal
Fowler School District No. R4j, CO

“In 2019, the Louisville Fire Protection District was successful in passing a mill levy increase because of the expertise, knowledge, and experience that Paul Hanley brought to the table. I believe that without Paul's help, we would not have been as successful as we were. In the end, our tax measure passed with 73% support because of hard work by Hanley and his team."

 

John Willson
Fire Chief
Louisville Fire Protection District, CO

“Over the years, Paul Hanley has supported Muskegon Community College with a successful $24.7 million bond proposal as well as with data analytics. His thoughtful and comprehensive approach was a key component in enhancing the college’s reputation in the community and the construction of much needed infrastructure enhancement."

 

Dale K. Nesbary, Ph.D.
Former President
Muskegon Community College, MI

“Paul Hanley's expertise was invaluable in passing our bond. Meeker is a highly conservative community and had recently rejected tax increases for school district needs. Paul's counsel on how to gather information from our community, and sincerely engage them in our decision making process, paid great dividends. Our ballot measure passed by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. Meeker School District RE-1 did not possess the capacity or the expertise to ensure such a successful ballot initiative. Because of Paul's guidance, our capital needs are being addressed and our new facilities will be of great benefit to our students, staff, and community."

 

Chris Selle
Superintendent
Meeker School District, CO

“Building strong public support for a tax referendum in Northern Michigan is an uphill battle given our aging, fiscally conservative electorate. However, with Paul Hanley and his team’s guidance, Kirtland Community College was able to do just that—twice. In fact, our last referendum passed with 64% support. Paul’s assistance with community engagement, public opinion research, message development, voter analyses and other pre-referendum services focused on respecting and involving our taxpayers in the planning process was invaluable.”

 

Dr. Thomas Quinn
President
Kirtland Community College, MI

“Paul Hanley was instrumental in helping us convey to our community the need for additional funding to meet our collective expectations of the school district. This resulted in the successful passage of an $131.8 million bond and an $8 million mill levy override in 2016."

 

Sandra Farrell
Chief Operating Officer
Eagle County School District, CO

“Paul Hanley and the Beyond Your Base team helped us pass a sales tax referendum with over 61% support in Weld County! The process from start to finish was reliant on sophisticated and data-driven recommendations that clearly communicated the issue without seeming like an out of town, big city consultant. Our community is grateful for Beyond Your Base and would recommend them to any organization considering a tax initiative.”

 

Greg Brinck

Assistant Town Administrator

Town of Eaton, CO