Guide to Communication Strategy: School Finance Edition

Building a Communication Strategy

For more than a decade, Allerton Hill Communications has partnered with Worthington City Schools to build a deeply engaged, well-informed community through a communication strategy. At the heart of the strategy is transparency, consistency, and trust especially around complex topics like school finance.

Key to the district’s success has been its Key Communicators Network which is a group of parents and residents who receive regular, clear updates on important issues. This approach has helped Worthington stay ahead of the curve, even during challenging times.

Communication Strategy in Action

Over the years, Allerton Hill has supported the district by:

• Building and nurturing a Key Communicators group for two-way dialogue
  
• Developing plain-language finance communications to increase understanding of school funding
  
• Maintaining a consistent stream of updates on topics like student achievement, facilities, and budgeting
  
• Supporting leadership in preparing the community for changes and challenges before they become crises
  

Communication Strategy Strengthens Community Trust

Thanks to a consistent drumbeat of communication, the Worthington community is now:

Well-Informed Community

• Residents understand the realities of school finance, including the role of state funding and local levies
  
• Complex financial reports are made digestible and accessible
  

Engaging in Real Dialogue

• The Key Communicators group has become a trusted network for both sharing and receiving information
  
• Social media conversations reflect informed support, even amid potential funding cuts
  

Prepared for What’s Ahead

• As Ohio faces possible state education funding reductions in 2025, the district is already ahead of the narrative and equipped with informed advocates and ready-to-deploy messaging

Superintendent Perspective on Building Community Trust Through Consistent Communication

"In Worthington, we believe that trust is built over time and communication is how that trust grows. Our partnership with Allerton Hill has helped us foster meaningful, ongoing dialogue with our community. Whether we're celebrating student success or navigating financial challenges, our families and residents stay informed, engaged, and ready to support our schools."

— Trent Bowers, Superintendent, Worthington City Schools