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Candidate emphasizes PR, grant writing, CTE expansion and 'Choose Us' campaign to attract families to Coffee County schools
Summary
Dr. Crabtree proposed a district public relations officer, a full-time grant writer, stronger CTE and dual enrollment promotion, greater Chamber of Commerce membership for schools, and a "Choose Us" campaign aimed at recruiting students and families to Coffee County schools.
During her interview with the Coffee County Board of Education, Dr. Crabtree outlined a strategy she called the "Choose Us" campaign to grow enrollment and strengthen community ties. Her plan centers on public relations, competitive programming and expanded partnerships.
"Choose Us campaign basically is a slogan," she said. "The key initiatives would be to designate a public relations officer. That person would be the PR professional at central office, and they would reach out and do those public relations type jobs. We would hire a full time grant writer. There is so much money out there that we are not tapping into. Promote competitive and unique programming. Continue with our CTE, STEM, fine arts, dual enrollment, early college prep classes..."
She cited Hickerson's local efforts—joining the Chamber of Commerce, expanding community partnerships from 18 to more than 100, and establishing student programs such as the Hawk House Gardens and student-run businesses—as models for districtwide replication. She also suggested using students to support school social media and marketing and named partnerships with TCAT and local employers as recruitment levers.
Why it matters: District enrollment, programming and public perception affect state funding, staffing and community support. Proposals for new central-office positions (PR officer, grant writer) and program expansion have budget and staffing implications.
Details: Dr. Crabtree said Hickerson's student population grew roughly 32% during her tenure (from 179 to 236) and that a grassroots grandparents organization helped raise over $16,000. She recommended increasing membership in local Chambers of Commerce and highlighting Coffee County's CTE offerings (she named "Skipper's CTE program" and partnership plans with TCAT).
Ending: These are campaign proposals from a candidate; the board did not adopt any new district hiring or marketing initiatives during the interview.
