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District 59 unveils multi‑year communications plan after NSPRA audit; translation and platform work already underway
Summary
Communications director Rachel presented the NSPRA audit findings and a four‑goal strategic roadmap focused on streamlining messaging, inclusive digital access, two‑way engagement and enhanced board transparency; staff have implemented quick wins such as monthly good‑news stories and Smore translations.
The board reviewed a new multi‑year strategic communications plan informed by a National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) audit and staff work to improve outreach and accessibility.
Rachel, the district communications director, told trustees that NSPRA conducted a multi‑month review including a survey with more than 1,000 responses and focus groups, and that staff translated NSPRA’s nine recommendations into four long‑range goals. "We landed on working with the National School Public Relations Association, also known as NSPRA," she said.
Why it matters: the plan aims to standardize platforms and practices, expand translated materials, build two‑way trust with families and increase transparency about board communications. Rachel described quick wins already in place: a monthly “good news” story program, use of a newsletter platform (Smore) that integrates with the district messenger and offers translations in more than 130 languages, and a staff task force to select a new mass communications tool for the 2026‑27 school year.
Board members praised the plan’s focus on accessibility and asked for ongoing updates as a new mass communications platform is piloted. Rachel said the first year will focus on foundation building and accessible communications, with later years devoted to streamlining and optimization.
What’s next: staff will convene a task force, continue the audit‑derived work (translated newsletters and consistent messaging), and update the board as platform evaluations and implementations proceed.
