In early 2024, the Brandywine School District faced a critical need to communicate the importance of an upcoming referendum aimed at securing funding for operating expenses. The referendum's goal was to ensure the district could maintain high-quality education, support staff salaries, upgrade technology, and improve facilities. Recognizing the importance of engaging and educating the community, the district decided to create an animated explainer video to convey the message effectively.

2024 bsd referendum explainer video

Objectives:

In collaboration with the Brandywine School District, the key points to address in the included an overview of the district's current financial status and challenges, detailed explanations of operating expenses, and the benefits of passing the referendum for students and the community.

  • Educate the community about the specifics of the referendum, including what operating expenses entail and why additional funding was necessary.

  • Engage a diverse audience, including parents, teachers, students, and community members, ensuring the message was accessible and compelling.

  • Encourage voters to participate in the referendum and cast their votes in favor of the funding request.

  • Ensure clear, concise messaging of the information so it was easily digestible.

Person using a laptop with graphic design software

storyboarding

Once the script was approved, the next step was storyboarding. The storyboard laid out the visual elements that would accompany the narration, ensuring that complex information was broken down into simple, visual components. Key elements included:

  • Characters

    Friendly, relatable characters representing students, teachers, and community members.

  • Visual Metaphors

    Use of metaphors like a growing tree to represent the district's potential growth with proper funding.

  • Infographics

    Clear, animated infographics to illustrate budget allocations and the impact of the referendum.

Execution

Motion Graphics: Smooth, dynamic transitions to maintain viewer interest.

Voiceover and Music: Professional voiceover to narrate the script, paired with uplifting background music to enhance the overall tone.

Color Palette: A combination of both bright and neutral colors, welcoming colors to keep the mood positive and encouraging.

Results & Impact

Feedback: The animated explainer video received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Positive feedback from parents and community members who appreciated the clear and concise presentation.

Referendum Outcome: The referendum passed with a significant majority, securing the necessary funding for the district's operating expenses.

Conclusion

The Brandywine School District's animated explainer video played a pivotal role in educating and engaging the community about the 2024 referendum on operating expenses. By leveraging the power of animation and clear messaging, the district successfully conveyed the importance of the referendum, ultimately leading to a positive outcome for the entire community.

This case study underscores the effectiveness of using animated explainer videos in public communication campaigns, especially for complex and important topics.