Why Ohio school districts–and districts across America–need authentic community engagement, not better newsletters and videos In November 2024, Ohio voters rejected nearly half of all school tax issues on the ballot. Only 51% passed. New money levies fared even worse. Just 25% were approved. One year later, the numbers rebounded. But the lesson those results delivered is one too many district leaders have yet to fully absorb. Communities don't vote against schools. They vote

Here is a common community engagement trap facing school districts today.  You collect data. You measure sentiment. You track opinions. And then you wonder why your “well-communicated” decisions still generate fierce opposition and failed levy campaigns. The problem isn't your data. It's that numbers tell you what stakeholders do , but conversations reveal why they do it . The Limits of One-Way Communication School districts excel at communication. You send newsletters, maint

School communicators face a troubling paradox. They’re communicating more than ever—through websites, social media, apps, newsletters, and automated alerts—yet 33% cite community perception and trust as a top challenge. Nearly one in five believe families' distrust of district communications actively blocks engagement. Meanwhile, 83% of communicators identify message overload as the biggest barrier to reaching families. Could it be that more communication isn't closing the tr

If you're a school communicator spinning plates—and struggling—you probably won't get another plate. But if you're successfully spinning 12 plates, you're seen as competent and just keep getting new ones. This observation from a school communicator in the 2024 NSPRA Member Profile Survey captures a painful reality: 75% of school communicators say work-related stress has impacted their job satisfaction in the past year. The data reveals a perfect storm: ●     34% cite limited

Why a Blended Engagement Strategy Matters School districts have made great strides in communication over the past decade. Improved websites, active social media presence, mobile apps, regular newsletters, town hall meetings, and strategic stakeholder communications demonstrate genuine commitment to keeping communities informed and connected. These investments are valuable and essential. They maintain regular contact with families, celebrate student achievements, ensure timely