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Communication Plan for the 2005-2006 School Year. Community Relations Committee Warren Erdmann, Chair Frank Cuccio Julie Mastricola Lorrie Hardy October 17, 2005. Some characteristics of “not communicating”. “ We didn’t know about it…” “You didn’t ask my opinion or input…”
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Communication Plan for the 2005-2006 School Year Community Relations Committee Warren Erdmann, Chair Frank Cuccio Julie Mastricola Lorrie Hardy October 17, 2005
Some characteristics of “not communicating” • “We didn’t know about it…” • “You didn’t ask my opinion or input…” • “You didn’t give me enough information…” • “I heard about it at the soccer field or on the street…” • “You should post such information on the web page…” • “Your tone and approachability could be much better…” • “The fact is that I am unhappy with your decision…”
Our Community Relations Mission: • The BOE seeks to develop an effective Communication Plan which fosters an environment that invites all stakeholders to participate in achieving the district’s mission, goals, and educational priorities. • *Community Relations Committee – June, 2005
Communication Plan Why is this important? Some Stated Feelings – “Lack of Communication” Heightened Community Scrutiny Budgets – Reduced State Funding District Goals = Priority Consideration Communication Plan S1701 Great Accomplishments – Let’s Share The Success Higher Expectations To Know “What’s Going On!”
Parents Non-Parents Board of Education Administration & Superintendent Teachers & District Employees Government Officials Local Businesses Media Community & Civic Organizations Students Stakeholders – Everyone has a stake in being well informed…
What do we mean by “well-informed”? • Everyone has equal and ample access to appropriate information
How will we define “ample access”? • We’ll need to maximize every platform and conduit available to enfranchise every stakeholder possible…
Methods & Means of Communication Face To Face Paper Based Audio Video Technology Based • BOE Meetings • Superintendent • Neighborhood School Contact • PTA Mtgs • Superintendent’s Sounding Boards • Principal’s Coffees • BTSNs • Student Handbook • School Newsletter • Newspapers • Reports • Calendars • E-mail • Phones • Faxes • Cable • TV News • Radio • Cell Phones • Voice Mail • Conference Calls • Videoconferencing • DVD/ VCR/ CD • School Website • Town Website • Chamber Website • NJSBA Website • CD-ROM
Implementing an Effective Communication Plan Will: • Keep District Stakeholders Informed and Engaged • Build Positive Relationships with Stakeholders • Increase the Visibility and Accessibility of Board Members and Key Administrators • Increase Outreach to Non-Parent Community & Civic Groups • Communicate Progress Towards District and Board Goals • Evaluate Stakeholder Satisfaction
Developing a Communication Plan Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Decide on Key Messages Decide on Key Methods Develop Timelines Establish Communication Goals Identify Stakeholders and Essential Audiences Review Communication Strategies & Methodologies Create Feedback & Evaluation Mechanisms
Roles & Responsibilities: • Administration • Board of Education Members • Stakeholders
Roles & Responsibilities: • What is the Administration’s duty? • To understand the direction of the Board of Education through its annual goal-setting exercise and to administer the policies of the Board. • To establish strategies and the means for executing these strategies to achieve success in the eyes of the governing body (BOE) via – • The goal-based “Action Plan”
Roles & Responsibilities: • What is the Administration’s duty?(continued) • To report regularly on the “Action Plan”. • … And to make mid-course corrections to ensure satisfaction and success!
Roles & Responsibilities: • What is a Board of Education member’s duty? • To set policy and establish district goals as a bodyholding the CSA accountable for progress. • To be conversant in most of the “hot topics” and “works in progress.” • To refer community needs, concerns, and complaints to the Superintendent for appropriate response.
Roles & Responsibilities • What is the Stakeholder’s duty? • When perceiving a need to be informed, seek out every means available. • Tip: Stay in touch with your neighborhood school…. • Even if you do not have children there, chances are that the principal there can answer your question or direct you successfully.
Roles & Responsibilities: • What is the Stakeholder’s duty? (continued) • Tip: Generally Follow the Rule of Subsidiarity…. • …and what is that?? • Issues and Concerns are Best Solved at the Lowest Possible Organizational Level – enabling… • Improved communication for all in timeliness and effectiveness!
Milestone 1 Milestone 2 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Timeline • Task 1 – CR Committee & Administration Debate and Outline Communication Mission Statement Related to Full Board of Education Goals for the District (TBD) • Milestone 1 – Full Board Adopts Communications Plan Goal within Official District Goals • Task 2 – Administration Creates Draft Communication Plan for Committee Approval • Milestone 2 - Full Board Approves Communication Plan • Task 3 – Administration Implements Communication Plan Keeping Committee & Board Apprised of Progress via Regularly Scheduled Meetings (Committee & Full Board Before the Public) • Task 4 – Committee & Administration Design Instrument & Collect Feedback from Stakeholders • Task 5 – Board Reviews Plan Effectiveness for Administrative Accountability Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5