A public opinion poll isn't always a prerequisite for placement of a ballot issue.
In some cases, however, the results can help determine whether to devote the necessary time, energy and expense to campaign for voter approval.
To measure the public pulse, we believe the Jefferson City Board of Education wisely decided to conduct a poll before placing a bond issue for facilities on the April ballot.
Our readers will recall a bond issue and tax levy increase to build a replacement high school was rejected by voters in April 2013.
Not long after that defeat, a Long Range Facility Planning Committee was formed. After about 18 months of gathering input, the panel on Monday presented its proposal to the board.
The 20-year plan includes two public high schools. It calls for construction of a new high school on district-owned land east of Missouri 179 - which was the centerpiece of the failed 2013 proposal - in addition to renovation of the existing high school at 609 Union St. The plan also includes building a new elementary school on the east side of the city and adding classrooms at Callaway Hills Elementary School.
Some opponents of the 2013 plan criticized the single "mega-school" concept and argued the district needs two public high schools.
Left unanswered was whether that criticism was sincere - that they will support two high schools, despite the higher cost - or simply an excuse to reject higher taxes without appearing insensitive to public education.
A public opinion poll might help district officials clarify public sentiment. It also might help board members decide a question posed by their president, Dennis Nickelson, who asked if the new plan should be put to voters in its entirety or in phases.
Each failed ballot proposal eliminates an option. And all ballot issues benefit from convincing, honest and transparent campaigns.
But even the best campaign can't sell a proposal voters are determined to resist.
Just as educated people make sensible decisions based on information they gather and analyze, so do boards of education.