As the new school year approaches, many school districts find themselves facing the challenging task of communicating about finances and the potential impact on taxpayers. These communications typically involve topics such as the five-year forecast, the potential need for facilities or other capital improvements, and funding challenges in light of the expiration of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Programs (ESSER) funding, often resulting in a levy being placed on the ballot for taxpayer vote.
Effective Financial Communication for School Districts: Best Practices for Levies
Topics: School Districts, Education, Levy, Communications, school communications
Seven Features of A Must-Read School Newsletter
In the dynamic and fast-paced world of education, effective communication is the cornerstone of building strong, engaged communities. For school districts, a well-crafted newsletter serves as a conduit for sharing important updates, celebrating successes, and fostering a sense of belonging among students, parents, staff, and stakeholders.
Topics: Engagement, Content Marketing, Branding, School Districts, Education, Communications, school communications, Strategic Communications
Empowering Student Voices: Shaping School Culture and Community
In our recent Digital Leadership Academy Webinar, we explored the dynamic interplay between student voices and school leadership. Let’s dive into the insights shared, including why student voices matter, how to involve them in school decisions, and tips to better capture their perspectives.
Topics: Engagement, School Districts, Communications
Thinking Strategically About Your Social Media as a Superintendent
Education in the 21st century has experienced a technological revolution, changing the way we reach our audience and communicate with them. The world has gone digital, and social media has become a tool for communication, student and staff engagement and collaboration. As a school superintendent, it's important to understand the best practices for using social media effectively. In this post, we've gathered tips on how to engage with your audience, share your school district's highlights, and promote your most important priorities.
Topics: Social Media, Engagement, Communications, school communications
The Art of Having Difficult Conversations
As a leader, it's inevitable that you'll find yourself in challenging conversations from time to time. These can involve delivering tough news, giving constructive feedback, or addressing problematic behavior. But no matter the situation, it's crucial to approach these conversations with empathy and a calm and composed tone.
Topics: Work Environment, Personal Growth, Communications
The Key to Strategic Planning Success: Crystal-Clear Clarity
There is strength in having a clear direction. You may be familiar with the popular saying, “You can have the top airplane or the most advanced ship, but without a knowledgeable pilot or captain, you won’t reach your destination.” Clarity holds power. Having a vision and seeing it through to realization is crucial, especially in strategic planning.
Topics: Strategic Planning, Business Development, Surveys, School Districts, Government, Communications
Strategic Planning 101: The Value of Stakeholder Engagement
While it’s true origins have been disputed, French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery is often attributed with authoring one of the most powerful (and subsequently most cited) maxims in the field of organizational development and business:
Topics: Engagement, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Motivation, Communications