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Communications committee presents district plan; board commits to continuing ‘Big Red Board Chats’
Summary
The district communications committee presented a multi-goal communications plan and the board agreed to continue Big Red Board Chats, with changes recommended to venue, outreach and stakeholder participation.
Milan Area Schools Board of Education — The district communications committee presented a comprehensive communications plan to the board on June 25, recommending four goals to strengthen messaging and engagement across buildings and the wider community.
The committee, formed in July 2023, said the plan draws on K–12 survey data and a detailed Google Sheets strategy. The four goals are: 1) build cohesive communications among buildings to avoid conflicting event/initiative calendars; 2) improve communication with students and families; 3) enhance outreach to non‑school affiliated community members; and 4) develop a stakeholder group that includes students to advise the superintendent on communications strategy.
Board discussion and decisions: The board discussed continuing the Big Red Board Chats (community listening sessions) and confirmed dates already on the schedule: Sept. 23 and Nov. 13, 2025, with proposed 2026 dates Feb. 10 and April 16. Board members and committee presenters suggested smaller, more conversational venues (classrooms, library spaces) and community locations (local businesses, the Owl, Peppers/fields) to increase attendance and reach parents who gather for other activities. Committee members also recommended increased outreach via the city calendar and local media, and creating an alumni/community email list so non‑student households can receive district updates.
Website and next steps: The committee noted a pending website upgrade (district said the new site should go live soon) and provided a digital folder with the full plan and a detailed communications strategy spreadsheet. The committee encouraged the board and administration to review both the printed plan and the digital materials for more granular tactics and metrics.
Why it matters: The plan aims to improve two‑way communication between the district and all stakeholders, including students, parents, non‑school community members and township residents who pay taxes but may not receive district email.
Supporting materials: Committee report (attachment F) and an online folder with the MAS communication strategy spreadsheet.
