Communication Services

2011-2012 Overview

The Department of Communication Services exists to involve all members of the community in District 300 schools and decision-making. The Department adheres to a vision of accountability, transparency, two-way dialogue, and proactive engagement with the end goal of increasing public support for our schools. Communication Services provides a direct link between the public and the District, through which residents and staff have a point of contact for their questions, opinions, and concerns. The Department supervises D300 external communications, supports internal communications, and strategically consults with the Superintendent and other Administrators on a wide range of public issues.

Allison L. Strupeck, Director of Communication Services: allison.strupeck@d300.org, 847.551.8344
Traci Magsamen, Communication Services Specialist (Mrs. Strupeck's assistant), traci.magsamen@d300.org, 847.551.8344
Everlean Dodson, D300 Archives Manager, everlean.dodson@d300.org, 847.551.8300 ext. 8388

The primary responsibilities of Communication Services are:

Media Relations - Facilitate media inquiries and official District messages to the media, working closely with the Superintendent, Principals, and other Administrators/staff. Monitor daily news reports about District 300; maintain and distribute the D300 Weekly News Digest.

Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act - Manage requests for public information/records according to the law, direct the D300 Online FOIA Program, and support the District's compliance with the Open Meetings Act.

Social Media - Direct the District-level use of social media (Facebook, Twitter) and support school-level use of Social media, to support the District's community engagement goals.

Archives Management -- Direct the storage and disposal of all D300 records (except student records, which are managed by PPS) according to the law and best practices. This includes directing the D300 Document Imaging System, which serves all offices and schools.

Publications - Direct the composition, printing and distribution of District-level publications, including:
The Leader - D300's monthly newsletter
D300 Annual Report - Published each September, covering the prior fiscal year
D300 Parent/Guardian Handbook & Wall Calendar
News Releases - Between 8 and 20 formal news releases each month, in addition to daily communication with up to 10 news reporters
Special articles, speeches, and letters on behalf of the District

Emergency communications - Direct the District-level use of the D300 Rapid Communication System (RCS) for emergency purposes, and support school-level use of the system. Work with the Superintendent, the District Safety Officer, and other Administrators to communicate with police/fire officials, school officials, and community members in the case of an emergency through whatever means necessary (website, phone, TV/radio, social media, press conference, etc.).

Recognition - Coordinate the recognition of student, staff, and community members using a variety of outreach tools and venues, including School Board meetings.

Website - Direct the content of the D300 website's home page, About Us page, Budget Reductions page, Public Meetings Calendar, Superintendent's page, and other pages as needed. Support other Administrators in their management of their departmental webpages within the D300 website.

District-level Events - Direct or support major district-level events, such as:
State legislator meetings
District-wide public engagement campaigns (such as Strategic Planning efforts)
D300 Relay For Life
School groundbreakings and dedication ceremonies
Board candidate orientations
Kane County Educator of the Year
Back to School Information Forums for senior citizens

Public Relations - Direct all other District-level PR efforts not mentioned above, including:
Strategic messaging, both proactive and reactive/situational
Direct all informational needs regarding Budget Reductions: Ensure public involvement in the decision-making process and understanding of the issues, respond on behalf of the Board to all public input (answer questions, provide rationale), direct content of the Budget Reductions webpage
Direct the District's monthly appearance on the WRMN radio talk-show
Administrate the Board Legislative Committee
Direct the D300 PTO Council (parent leaders of all elementary and middle schools)
Co-Direct the Community Leadership Council (municipal leaders throughout D300)
Co-Direct the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
Process requests to distribute community fliers in our schools
Facilitate community involvement in D300 schools, and D300 schools' involvement in the community, through numerous programs including the Gold Card for seniors
Alumni Relations and History Webpage - Support each school in developing and maintaining a basic historical account of that building, and likewise maintain a basic historical accounting of D300 as a whole, for the Alumni & History webpage. Produce a district-wide D300 Alumni Directory at no cost to the District, with the assistance of Harris Connect.