Beyond the Vote: The Heart of the Process

Last Tuesday, Valley City Public Schools passed their referendum, a big moment for their students, staff, and community. For me, it was more than a successful outcome. It marked the first time I experienced a referendum from start to finish as part of the architectural team, supporting a district not as their superintendent, but as an advocate walking with them.

I’ve lived this journey before from the other side. As a former superintendent, I know the emotional toll leading up to a vote like this. It’s not just a professional journey; it’s deeply personal. You carry the hopes of your students, the expectations of your staff, and the weight of your community. You ask people to invest more; at a time when many are already stretched thin, and you know that’s not a small ask.

Voters lined up outside the District Administrative Building on June 10 to cast their ballots. Photo Credits to NewsDakota.com 

I’ve stood in front of voters thinking: Am I saying enough? Too much? Am I just sharing facts, or am I pushing too hard? Did I do everything I could? And when voting day arrives, there’s nothing left to do but wait. You see the lines forming and your mind is a roller coaster. You know the future of the district is momentarily out of your control. It’s a uniquely vulnerable place to be.

Supporting Valley City’s referendum brought all of those memories back to me. I had the privilege of walking alongside their leadership team, knowing exactly what they were feeling without them having to say it out loud. I watched their superintendent shoulder those same unspoken questions. And I knew the strength it took to remain grounded; focused on facts, driven by students, and committed to what’s best for the community.

After counting the ballots, the unofficial results show that the VCPS School Referendum has passed, with 1158 (62.73%) voting Yes and 688 (37.3%) voting No. There were 1846 total ballots cast in this school referendum. Photo Credits to NewsDakota.com

There’s something powerful about having lived on both sides of this process. It’s allowed me to step into this role at ICON with a level of empathy that can’t be taught. It's a back-and-forth process; the knowing of what needs to be done and the emotional vulnerability that comes with asking for support. I’ve lived that. And I know what it means to believe so strongly in your district’s future that you want every space to reflect the greatness you see in your students, staff, and community.

At ICON, we talk about Designs That Move. Valley City’s project moved me; not just professionally, but personally. It reminded me of why I do this work, and why I believe in the spaces we help schools and communities create. These aren’t just buildings. They’re a reflection of what we value, and what we’re willing to invest in. 

Our proven roadmap to strategize for meaningful, results-driven outcomes.

As a team, ICON brings creativity, experience, and strategic insight to every project. What I hope to add is a perspective rooted in lived experiences. Not because it makes me more valuable, but because it allows our team to show up differently for the districts we serve. 

Congratulations to Valley City. You didn’t just pass a referendum; you built a foundation for your district and community to grow in so many ways. And I’m honored to have been part of it.

Travis Jordan Educational Development Advocate ICON Architectural Group