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Smith-Green board reviews communications plan as district prepares for potential referendum
Summary
The board heard a presentation on a coordinated district communications plan emphasizing ParentSquare reach (reported at 99.8%), a 61% rise in junior/senior high social engagement year-over-year, and steps to unify social accounts ahead of a possible referendum this fall.
The Smith-Green Community Schools board on March 16 reviewed a district communications plan designed to increase transparency and stakeholder engagement as the district prepares for a potential referendum this fall. A district communications presenter said the plan centers on three goals: a unified district communications strategy, a coordinated social-media marketing effort and stronger community partnerships.
The presenter said ParentSquare reaches about 99.8% of families and cited roughly a 61% increase in social engagement on junior/senior-high channels compared with the previous year. "We're seeing more posts — about 100 more — and that means our teachers are using it, and families are interacting more," the presenter told the board, describing higher two-way engagement and better scheduling capabilities for events and reminders.
The presentation noted staff have been working to consolidate and standardize social-account names, remove outdated pages and set expectations for coaches and activity sponsors to post schedules and results. Board members asked how the district will ensure consistency across accounts and suggested integrating game and event results into district feeds; staff said cleaning up old accounts and setting posting expectations for coaches are part of the rollout.
Board members and staff discussed outreach beyond social media, including mailers and in-person presentations to service organizations to reach families who are not digitally connected. The communications lead said the district also monitors message deliveries and can identify addresses that fail to receive alerts so staff can contact families directly.
Why it matters: the district framed the plan as part of building community support and transparency ahead of any referendum, and as a tool to increase family engagement with student achievements, athletics and district programs. The board did not take a vote on the plan; it was presented for review and will be refined in the coming months.
