Pequannock trustees begin work on crisis communications plan, weigh website and app options

Pequannock Township School District officials on May 12 told the board they are developing an expanded crisis communications plan and evaluating the district website and mobile app to better reach families and speed incident messaging.

Superintendent Dr. Portis said a small team including a school safety specialist and board office staff has been drafting both an in-depth internal contingency plan and a streamlined public-facing version. “I want something where it's almost like it has tabs where you can quick jump to something,” he said, describing the goal of an accessible manual for principals and supervisors.

Portis said the district already has a Comprehensive Operations Continuity Plan (COOP) and building-level evacuation plans but wants a user-friendly communications guide and prewritten statements for quick distribution. He described preparing multiple tailored messages for different audiences — staff, principals, media and the public — so the district can respond within minutes when necessary.

On technology, administrators said they are reviewing vendors after finding limits with the existing site’s static content. The district is considering a vendor that offers one major overhaul per year plus smaller updates without substantial upcharges, and noted potential integration between a vendor platform and the district’s SchoolMessenger newsletter system to streamline pushes to families. The board also discussed continued use of the district app and whether other social platforms could improve reach to parents and students.

No board vote was taken; staff said they will return a draft crisis-communications document and website options for board review.