MARYSVILLE – Lack of communication was the No. 1 reason voters decided against the $230 million school bond in April.

That was the conclusion made after three public symposiums put on by the Marysville School District last week. Communications director Emily Wicks on Sept. 19 showed the Marysville school board results of the symposiums.

The goal of the events was to get input from the public on why the bond measure failed with only 50.5 percent approval. The measure required 60 percent to pass.

Even though only about 50 people attended the three-hour sessions, participants were from all areas of the city.

Wicks said the effort was worthwhile to build trust with the community. “It shows we’re interested in working with people,” she said.

At the events, participants gave feedback at five stations.

Station 1 was called “My vote.” The reason most people said they voted against the measure was lack of communication. Others said the schools are not properly maintained, and the third reason given was the school district is not fiscally responsible with tax money.

School Board president Pete Lundberg said that respondents not trusting them is “based on a feeling” more than fact. Some of them don’t even know the difference between a bond and a levy, he said.

Those who responded in favor of the bond said they did so because the schools are old, unsafe, that they want to make the community look nicer, and they want better academics.

Station 2 was called “Our Vote.” Participants speculated why others voted for or against the bond measure. Again, reasons included the district is not fiscally responsible, lack of communication and also “taxes are too high” already. Asked why they thought the community supported the measure, the top answer was people wanted to “support schools.”

At Station 3, called “Our Community,” people were asked what they like and don’t like about Marysville. Things respondents like include: parks, festivals, small community, involved staff and small learning communities.

What they don’t like included: parents not being involved, retirees voting against schools and crime.

“Our district” was Station 4. Answers included: The district needs to improve communication, engage the community better and maintain facilities better.

As for what it does well, answers included: Student and staff support. As for areas it is improving the top answer was academics.

The final Station 5 asked what “Our Priorities” should be. No. 1 on the list was replacing Liberty Elementary School with 21 percent of the vote. Tied for second were Cascade Elementary and Marysville-Pilchuck High School, both at 13 percent. Close behind with 12 percent was Marysville Middle School. Far back was a new middle school in north Marysville at 3 percent.

Interesting enough, no one from Liberty or Cascade attended any of the symposiums.

Wicks said looking at those numbers, “It was difficult to decide what to do, there’s so much need.” She said her next step will be to put a similar questionnaire online.

Superintendent Becky Berg said a communications plan is being put together to get responses from people in a variety of settings.

Lundberg suggested the district start out by doing a better job communicating with teachers. They are in contact with many potential supporters yet they often get their information second-, third- or fourth-hand, he said.