Benefits of Strategic School Communications
Over the past decade, school district budgets have been strained, and already lean organizations are running leaner. Providing information to key constituents (faculty and staff, parents, community members and voters at large) about complicated school programming decisions and financial management requires a solid strategy, consistent messaging, and a research-based plan. Goal of Strategic Communications To build trust in and enhance the reputation of an organization. Messages Received? It is the school district’s responsibility to provide the facts needed to keep members of its community informed, and to listen to the community through two-way communications processes. Each community is unique – some messages resonate in one community, but not in another. Use the RACE process – research, analysis and planning, communicate, evaluate - to ensure messaging is on target. Experienced Communicators Trained communications professionals have significant experience in strategic communications, knowing what to produce, when to produce it, and how to integrate communications throughout your district’s strategic plan. Most importantly, they can evaluate both communications effectiveness, as well as public opinion of your organization. District Staff A communications team, a communications manager, a communications specialist, or a communications consultant are options for school districts to consider to ensure strategic communications are delivered to the community. In each case, school administrators, faculty and staff will be called upon to assist. Your staff members have the potential to be brand ambassadors with their networks, who often include the community’s most important opinion leaders. A communications professional builds the plan and the communications infrastructure that staff can use to share information with their networks. If you have questions about School District Communications, consult the FAQ document below or contact us.
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