Strategic Communications is a Roadmap to Trust & Transparency

When Lake Bluff partnered with Allerton Hill Communications for strategic communications support, the district had strong values, a new strategic plan, and an engaged leadership team but no cohesive system to communicate their story. 

With communication responsibilities scattered across departments, messaging felt inconsistent and reactive. Together, we built a communication strategy that aligned with district priorities, streamlined execution, and gave the community something they could count on.

The Strategic Communications Roadmap:

• To start, we branded and launched the district’s new strategic plan: “Route 65: The Road to Success.”
  
• Next, we established a consistent monthly e-newsletter to families and residents.
  
• In addition, we created and mailed an annual wall calendar featuring events, facts, and visuals of school life.
  
• Simultaneously, we co-produced a quarterly community publication in partnership with the Village and Park District.
  
• To further increase engagement, we produced videos showcasing leadership and teachers, aligned with the motto “Every Student, Every Day.”
  
• Finally, we shared branded core value updates throughout the year to build recognition and trust.

Strategic Communications Make an Impact

• As a result, community members now regularly thank the superintendent and board for being visible, transparent, and proactive.
  
• Furthermore, the district’s Bluffers In Need fund, which supports students in need, gained new awareness and received significant donations.
  
• Lake Bluff’s communication is now strategic, consistent, and widely respected, supporting both internal morale and public trust.
  

Superintendent Perspective on Partnering with Experts for Strategic Communication Support

“Allerton Hill Communications is a smart solution to a host of complex communication needs. AHC has streamlined our efforts and created a coherent strategy and trustable brand. This has had a tremendous impact on our ability to be recognized and to get our message out to various stakeholders.”
— Dr. Lisa Leali, Superintendent, Lake Bluff School District 65