Rockport committee creates communications subcommittee and previews planned community newsletter

At its Oct. 13 meeting the Rockport School Committee reviewed three mockups for a proposed community newsletter and agreed to stand up a two-person communications and advocacy subcommittee to move the work forward. Superintendent Mark Branca led the presentation, explaining that the draft postcard and newsletter prototypes are intended to be produced three times per year and funded by advertising if possible.

"It's moving forward pretty quickly," Superintendent Branca said while describing subcommittee tasks, adding that the district will aim for a February issue to align with the draft budget book. Committee members who attended the Massachusetts Association of School Committees/Massachusetts Association of Superintendents conference summarized session takeaways, urging the committee to develop a purposeful narrative, hold listening sessions and identify critical community ambassadors.

Chair Kathy Bridal recommended Amy Oakes to chair the new subcommittee and noted Jessica DeLisi had volunteered to serve. The committee moved, seconded and approved the recommendation by voice vote. Members discussed logistics (frequency, format, accessibility and ad-supported funding), and staff said the subcommittee would meet with district leadership and community partners to finalize design and outreach timelines.

Committee members emphasized that communication will be only one tool among many for community engagement; they asked that all outward-facing materials include a date and be accessible to older readers with larger font options. The superintendent said his office would email the new subcommittee and begin scheduling meetings.

The vote to establish the subcommittee was procedural and limited to forming the working group; further budget and publication decisions will return to the committee for approval as needed.