The district presented results of a newly expanded communications survey at the Aug. 7 board meeting, reporting more than 1,300 responses after linking the survey to a cell‑phone policy mailing. Tanya, the district’s communications lead, said the outreach produced a strong baseline for future improvement and identified channels and content the community values.

Why it matters: The survey results help the district refine how it shares information with families, staff and students — especially with new district initiatives and policy rollouts at the start of the school year.

Key findings and next steps: Tanya said one of her “smartest things” last year was linking the communication survey to the cell‑phone policy survey; that produced 1,300+ responses this year compared with roughly 160 the prior year. The highest‑rated channels were email (96% of respondents said they rely on school/district email) and principal newsletters; 55% of respondents reported they do not use social media, but district social accounts have nonetheless seen rapid audience growth (Instagram reach up, LinkedIn followers from 49 to ~550). Event reminders, principal newsletters and event announcements were the items respondents rated most valuable.

The director recommended several near‑term actions: issue a board meeting update after this meeting summarizing key decisions; increase social‑media content; continue showcasing student and staff achievements; expand the superintendent’s parent and student advisory meetings starting in September; and continue multilingual outreach for those who prefer other languages. Board members suggested including board office‑hour details in meeting summaries.

Staff said they will treat this year’s results as the baseline for future surveys and to track improvements. Trustees thanked communications staff for the response rate and asked for ongoing measurement.

Ending: Tanya said she will send the board a first board‑meeting update the day after the meeting and return with follow‑up metrics in the spring.