The school year is here and so is your opportunity to connect with your community in ways that build trust, inspire support, and showcase the best of your district. From our work with school districts and our research, here are our top three recommendations to set the foundation for year-long success.
1. Connect with Your CTE Director
In our research for districts and organizations, CTE programs consistently receive the strongest support from the public. Here are three ways you can get impactful student stories from your CTE Director.
- Your CTE director has established industry partnerships that can provide stories your community wants to hear, like introducing industry partnerships in schools, to showcasing a student’s successful school-to-career or college journey.
- Many CTE programs are great for showcasing hands-on learning. Visit a classroom for photos and stories of students learning transferable skills like teamwork.
- Highlight your CTE facilities and celebrate what’s working, while addressing areas that need improvement. Showing you’re grateful for the funding from the community and how continued support can make learning come alive for more students!
2. Prepare for Levy Conversations
If your district is considering a levy lid lift or future funding measure, now is the time to build trust with your community. Start conversations early, before the ask, to establish credibility and demonstrate transparency. A new school year is also a great time to evaluate and upate your “normal and regular” communications activities!
3. Set Your Year-Long Drumbeat
Meet with your team now to identify major initiatives that need consistent highlighting throughout the year.
- Running a bond? Start showcasing facility needs.
- Facing enrollment challenges? Promote deadlines, open houses, and the student supports that make your district special.
Need ideas showcasing your district or explaining a levy lid lift? Let’s talk, email edteam@strategies360.com.