Communications with the community (external communications) and with district employees (internal communications) are critical to generating understanding, acceptance, and support of district initiatives and decisions. The Community Relations Department serves both internal and external constituents with a variety of communications tools, including the following.
"RRISD Community Bulletin"—The district provides the editorial content and layout for a monthly page in the Austin American-Statesman that is published at no cost to the district. The Bulletin features district achievements and programs; campus honors; budget and bond updates; and a message from the Superintendent. More than 250,000 readers see the Community Bulletin each month and approximately 25,000 reprints are distributed to staff and students. More
Web Site Information—The Community Relations Department assists the district’s Information Services Division with maintaining and updating information on the Web site, which is visited daily by thousands of current and prospective residents.
Press Releases/Media Calls—Local media, educational and business publications are regularly sent news releases about district programs, events, and accomplishments. The Community Relations Office also fields dozens of calls weekly from reporters seeking information or interviews.
Informational Publications—Brochures, flyers, letters, and pamphlets are written, edited and/or designed to explain and promote various programs and events.
Annual Reports—Annual reports are published to review the accomplishments and activities of the district overall, the Partners in Education program, and the RRISD Education Foundation.
Board Briefs—After each regular meeting, a summary of actions taken by the RRISD Board of Trustees is emailed to all district staff, representatives from the district Council of PTAs, area Chambers of Commerce, and the news media, and published on the district’s Web site.
Bond Referendum Campaigns—The Community Relations Department is responsible for producing electronic, print and video pieces to inform the public about district capital improvement needs and coordinates a Speaker’s Bureau for community meetings.
Video Production—The department oversees the production of videos used internally and externally to publicize and promote district initiatives and accomplishments.
"Close Up" Newsletter—The newsletter is distributed to all employees via e-mail. It features a message from the Superintendent and other news of interest to staff. More
Email Correspondence—Employees and constituent groups are routinely notified of district media coverage, actions taken by the Superintendent or Board, district events and accomplishments.
Campus Publicity Support—Lists of media contacts and fax numbers, helpful hints for writing news releases, and guidelines for interactions with the media are provided to principals and other campus staff to assist with publicity efforts for their schools. Media training is also provided upon request.
Community Forums—Public meetings are scheduled periodically to enable the Superintendent to share information and solicit input.
Information Clearinghouse—Each day, department staff answer numerous calls, emails, and letters from parents, taxpayers, employees, potential district residents, businesses, and others seeking information about RRISD.