Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District highlights ParentSquare rollout, crisis alerts and new CTE media program
Summary
Communications coordinator Sarah Cantrell reported on ParentSquare usage (11,000 notifications, 200,000+ direct messages, 52% engagement), crisis messaging practices, social media reach, school rebranding and a new district TV/CTE media initiative launching in 2026–27.
Sarah Cantrell (Speaker 11), the district communications coordinator, presented the board with a year‑in‑review of communications work, including the ParentSquare rollout, crisis communications practices and a planned career‑connected media/TV initiative.
Cantrell said the district sent more than 11,000 ParentSquare notifications and more than 200,000 direct messages over the last school year; parent engagement on the platform reached roughly 52%, exceeding the platform benchmark of 41%. She described the use of the platform for alerts (school closures/emergencies), posts, direct messages, and group communications for extracurricular and athletics activity. Cantrell also reviewed crisis communications procedures—coordinating with first responders and conducting unannounced drills at selected sites—and said the communications team over‑communicates during incidents to build trust while limiting details when appropriate.
Cantrell highlighted social media metrics (more than 2.2 million organic Facebook views and over 31,000 interactions) and showcased rebranding work for multiple schools, and she previewed a district TV/CTE media partnership that will expand AV and broadcast opportunities for students beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Board members praised the communications work and noted improved parent and teacher engagement; Cantrell credited collaboration with district leadership and partners.
Next steps: communications will continue to refine processes and support district safety and engagement initiatives.
