Now the Tupelo Public School District is one step closer to getting a Strategic Communication Plan. Karen Kleinz, the National School Public Relations Association's associate executive director, based her findings on samples of district communications such as newsletters and brochures. She also conducted interviews with 10 focus groups involving 126 people over a two-day visit to Tupelo in January.
The first item of business is to form a Communication Advisory Council made up of local marketing and public relations professionals. The council will help us develop a written Strategic Communication Plan with specific objectives and timelines. "The goal of this communication audit was to seek facts as well as perceptions, and from these to propose recommendations that could ensure improved management of public relations and enhanced two-way communication between the internal and external publics of TPSD," auditor Karen Kleinz wrote. - Improve communication with employees.
Communication Audit's top recommendations:
- Develop a Strategic Communication Plan tied to the district's strategic plan.
- Develop a clear, consistent message that is delivered in "One Clear Voice."
- Make the use of technology as a communication tool a priority.
- Create a Key Communicator Network.
- Develop more year-round communication with the public.