Communications audit finds strengths in multilingual services; recommends updated plan and intranet return

Manassas City Public Schools on Tuesday presented the preliminary results of a district communications audit conducted by the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA), highlighting strong multilingual translation services and responsiveness while recommending updates to the district communications plan and restoration of the internal intranet. "A communications audit is an objective third party review of our internal and external messaging practices," Communications Director Mrs. Radford told the board, noting the audit included stakeholder surveys, focus groups and materials review. INSPRA held 10 focus groups, received survey responses from parents, staff and community members, and reviewed communication materials. Radford said strengths included expanded language services that support IEPs, eligibility meetings and back-to-school materials; she credited staff for responsiveness and highlighted positive survey results — roughly two-thirds of responding parents rated district communications as "average or better." The audit also recommended updating the 2019 communications plan to reflect new platforms, and more consistent staff training on tools such as a recent new website and mobile app rollout. A major staff concern raised in focus groups was the loss of an internal intranet (MyMCPS) after a vendor transition; Radford said the district plans to restore an intranet using Microsoft 365 with the technology team. She told the board the full final report will come at the next meeting and that INSPRA’s recommendations typically focus on two or three priority actions each year. Board members asked about cost; Radford said the audit contract was "about $20,000." The audit remains in draft pending finalization of demographic details and document checks. Ending: The board received the preliminary audit findings; staff will present the final report in a forthcoming meeting and begin prioritized changes, such as updating the communications plan, expanding training and restoring the intranet.