
First Day of School: A Communications Checklist for Superintendents and PR Professionals
Growing up, I loved getting ready for the first day of school – the new shoes, clothes and backpack. Not to mention all the crisp new folders, fresh pencil cases and perfect notebooks with unbent pages. I just could not

New Superintendents: How to Plan Your First 100 Days
Just like Presidents and other elected officials publicly announce a plan for their first 100 days in office, school superintendents need one too. Whether you are new to the community or have been promoted from within, all new superintendents need

Grassroots Community Engagement
It’s a phrase we’ve heard time and time again. Yet, it’s so true. There is no “I” in team.

If a tree falls in the forest…
You know the rest of the saying. And right now, I’m going to talk about those capital projects that occur all summer long. You know the ones: the parking lot resurfacing, the roof replacements and repairs. I’m talking about all

Hold that door
The school year is winding down and this spring is as busy (and exciting) as it has ever been. And tiring! But, before the bell truly rings for summer it’s time for one important task. It’s fun, interesting and very

Summer communication checklist
Summer is right around the corner and while most of us are hoping it’s far less eventful than last summer, our work continues!

Leave the light on
All too soon the bells will silence, the halls will be empty, the pace will slow and summer break will be in full swing. As this unique school year wraps up and buildings become bare, be sure to leave the

(Hash)tag, you’re it!
With three school-aged children of my own, I often find myself reminiscing about the “simple” days of my childhood. Some of my favorites that come to mind are the memories of playing outside. Tag, particularly a good old game of

Communications Jenga
Balance. It’s a word that’s come up in so many of my conversations lately. Many superintendents and communications directors seem to be striving to find balance – everything from trying to find the time to do the important things while

Being Specific on Finances when Things are Unspecific
Look, friend. Here’s the reality: In as much as we all know and believe that numbers are numbers, they do change and at times there are unknowns. Unknowns about what funding is coming in, how restricted it is in use

Who’s the boss?
No, GenX-ers, I’m not talking about the Tony Danza show. I am talking about always remembering who you answer to in your place of work: Your customer.

4 must-do items for your spring cleaning communication checklist
What a year it’s been!