Report: Update on Communications Reorganization

On March 8, 2005, the School Board contracted with Hill & Knowlton, Inc. (H&K) to conduct a communications audit of the District. On July 18, 2005, the Board received the results of that audit, which included an assessment of the District’s communications practices and recommendations for improving communications. Those recommendations included the integration of internal and external communications and the fine-tuning of key messages. On December 13, the Hillsborough County School Board approved a Communications Plan, which included a new organizational structure bringing communications under one roof, a new district logo and other initiatives. Since then the newly integrated Communications Team has had several accomplishments. Among the highlights:

• The district web site has been redesigned to be sharper, more colorful and more user friendly.
• The new logo has been incorporated into the web site, ID badges, business cards, school newsletters and letterhead.
• The Communications Team has introduced webstreaming as a new tool for conveying the message for the superintendent, the School Board and the district as a whole.
• The Communications Team has played a key role in the success of task forces, committees and advisory groups that addressed important issues facing the school district.

Attached are updates on some of the initiatives already completed, ongoing or still planned by the Communications Team.

Effective communications will enhance and support the achievement of the defined goals in the District Strategic Plan.

None

Regular Updates to the Superintendent and the School Board.