Cohosy board discusses district communications plan, ParentSquare expansion and newsletter schedule

The Cohosy School District plans to present a formal district communications plan at the board’s second October meeting that will set expectations for internal and external messaging and align communications with the district’s mission and commitments, Superintendent O'Shea said. O'Shea and board members discussed tools and staffing to support broader communications, including ParentSquare and the district website. The superintendent said ParentSquare is already in use with principals and that districtwide ParentSquare access exists for short, urgent messages; she proposed exploring whether some community members could also sign up so residents — not just parents — receive targeted messages. Board members suggested a public submission tool or form that would let parents, students and staff submit stories and photos for the district newsletter and website; the district acknowledged that communications staff time is limited and that additional access or submission tools could help surface more community content. Marybeth Gallardo, the district communications contact, was identified as the primary staff member for web and newsletter postings. The board debated newsletter frequency. One member said the monthly newsletter was appreciated and expected by many families; others favored a bimonthly, more in-depth newsletter that would highlight district beliefs and programs. Superintendent O'Shea said the district produced a monthly newsletter last year but that timing varied; the proposed communications plan will recommend a consistent schedule and standards for branding and content. District staff will bring a draft communications plan to the board for review and asked for early feedback from board members before formal presentation in October.