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District rolls out written communications plan; staff outlines campus-only vs. district-wide notification rules
Summary
Administrators presented a written communications plan using ParentSquare that will differentiate campus and district notifications, automatically translate content into parents' home languages, and set thresholds for district-wide alerts; board members asked for explicit Spanish language cues and a clearer definition of "significant event."
Administrators presented a formal communications plan to the Kilburn Independent School District board, describing who will be notified, by what method and under what conditions. Staff emphasized a campus-differentiated approach using ParentSquare for targeted notifications and said ParentSquare provides automatic translation into parents’ home languages.
"ParentSquare automatically translates, so I didn't address it in this plan," a communications staff member said, describing how the platform delivers messages in families’ preferred languages. Board members asked that the plan also include an explicit Spanish-language notation on printed materials and a short Spanish blurb directing Spanish-speakers how to request translations.
The board debated which incidents should trigger district-wide messaging versus campus-only notices. Administrators said campus-only alerts are appropriate for routine medical calls at a single campus, while "significant events" — examples given included lockdowns, campus closures or incidents that risk broader safety concerns — will prompt district-wide posts across the website, ParentSquare and social media.
One board member expressed caution about early messaging after an ambulance call, saying an initial alert that "an ambulance was called" can provoke rumor and social-media sharing before investigators have full information. Administrators said they will prepare templated statements and escalate follow-up communications as a situation develops.
Board members praised the written plan and suggested small edits — adding language about Spanish and other translations and building specific thresholds for escalation. Staff said they will incorporate the edits and circulate a revised draft.
No formal action was required; staff will return with an updated plan and recommended language for Spanish-language notices.
