Communications department reports higher survey responses, new school communicators and Attendance Pro rollout

The Jefferson County communications team presented an annual review that the presenter said included celebrations, collaborations, and improved survey metrics. "We had 348 parents respond," the presenter told the board, noting that figure rose from 245 the prior year and 164 the first year of the survey. The department described placing a school communicator in each of the district's 16 traditional schools, an increase in social‑media reach (14.4% follower growth and about 9.4 million views last year), and a recruitment rebrand that will include billboards and targeted outreach.

The presenter described a range of operational changes aimed at improving family access and information: the Attendance Pro two‑way texting platform that allows parents to reply and upload doctor notes by text; a push to drive families to the district app and website as the "source of truth" for notifications; and ongoing improvements to the district website and app. When asked about staffing, the presenter said the communications unit currently consists of two people on staff alongside periodic contractors and in‑house support. Board members asked about survey methodology, response duplication and school‑level breakdowns; staff said survey responses were anonymous but that principals received school‑level one‑page summaries.

The department also previewed a major compliance project tied to federal accessibility guidance. The presenter said the Department of Justice has issued guidance under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a district compliance date of 04/26/2027; the work will require audited websites, captioning of videos, rebuilt newsletters, training and platform changes. The presenter framed the work as a large upfront lift that will produce machine‑readable, translatable materials for families once complete.