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Amity communications committee outlines multi‑channel outreach ahead of April budget referendum
Summary
At a mid‑February Communications Committee meeting, members and consultant Cat M. Guard Hill mapped a plan of in‑person, virtual and PTSO‑partnered outreach to explain budget drivers and correct misconceptions about district surpluses before an April referendum. Cat will return with a timeline and communications plan.
The Amity Board of Education’s Communications Committee spent its meeting focused on how to reach voters ahead of an April budget referendum, agreeing on a mix of in‑person forums, virtual sessions and partnerships with parent groups to promote consistent messaging.
Committee members opened by approving the minutes from their Jan. 14 meeting. After introduction of agenda items, the committee welcomed guest Cat M. Guard Hill, who laid out outreach options including off‑campus forums at local gathering places, recorded virtual meetings, placements with local media and short op‑ed or feature writeups tied to referendum timing.
"We could do something that's virtual — people are so used to them — and then follow up with a recap in the local paper," Cat said, describing hybrid approaches and the benefit of recorded content for people who cannot attend live events. She recommended partnering with the PTSO to reach family email lists and social channels, noting the PTSO could host a virtual event if the district is restricted from using school resources close to the referendum.
Jen, speaking for the committee, highlighted an important timing limit: "I can put anything on the school website and school social media up until that April date; once that April date rolls around I can't use any school resources," she said, noting the committee needed voluntary, outside channels for promotion after that cutoff.
Committee members emphasized the need for a short, consistent message every board member can use in face‑to‑face conversations, flyers or social posts so residents receive the same core points across venues. Several members urged the committee to prepare a plain‑language FAQ addressing recurring concerns — especially perceptions that the district "always has a surplus" — and to explain how reserves and town allocations work.
Members discussed grassroots tactics — leave‑behind flyers with QR codes, brief text or infographic posts for group chats, and short social posts emphasizing specific programs. Cat proposed a light social campaign of "did you know" facts to highlight arts, athletics and academic opportunities, helping voters see concrete benefits tied to budget requests.
Next steps agreed by the committee include Cat returning with a communications plan and timeline that runs from now through the referendum window, committee members compiling a short FAQ to promote consistent responses, and scheduling a community forum (save‑the‑date to follow) to be coordinated with PTSO leaders and the district newsletter. The meeting closed with committee business on the chair’s newsletter and adjourned without objection at 6:30 p.m.
The committee did not take formal votes on outreach spending or adopt a final plan at this meeting; Cat is expected to present a draft plan and timeline at a follow‑up meeting in March.
