Using Anderson's (1998) framework for authentic community engagement and Levin and McEwan's (2001) "ingredients method," this comparative case study analyzed contrasting approaches to levy campaigns undertaken by two suburban school districts and the associated costs of the campaigns. We found that District A ran a campaign that "authentically" engaged community members with lower opportunity costs for district personnel (administrators and teachers) and success at the polls. District B ran a "central office campaign" with higher opportunity costs for district personnel and defeat at the polls. While overall costs for District A were higher than those of District B, costs per registered voter were lower for District A than District B. (Contains 6 footnotes and 7 tables.)