School Task Force To Recommend External And Internal Communications Strategy

The following is a press release from the School Committee appointed Communications and Public Relations Task Force:

The Communications and Public Relations Task Force is continuing its effort to develop a strong set of recommendations aimed at improving communications between the Framingham Public Schools and the entire community.

“This is a dedicated group of communication professionals and concerned citizens who care deeply about the Framingham Public Schools,” said Greg Palmer, co-chair of the Task Force. “We are hopeful that our work will result in specific and detailed policy changes that will improve the frequency, delivery and accuracy of information coming from district leadership.”

Formed by the School Committee, the Task Force has now held a total of four meetings and taken the following initial steps toward this effort:
·Approved a mission statement to establish a clear goal for the Task Force.

·Identified areas of critical need for improving communication from the district to its staff, students, parents, news media and entire community.

·Started an audit of current FPS communication procedures and channels.·Conducted a communications survey and reviewed the results, including hundreds of individual comments which provided valuable insight.

·Researched and evaluated the websites and communication plans for more than a dozen surrounding and comparable school districts.

·Developed a list of best practices based on this research and professional experience.

The Task Force has established the following mission statement:

Mission: Recommend an external and internal communications strategy and flow of information that provides multiple channels for establishing and maintaining effective district communication with families, staff and the community.

We Will: Create a set of recommendations and present them to the School Committee in May. The School Committee will review and determine next steps for implementation. We are committed to transparency and we welcome community input and suggestions.

Additional meetings are now scheduled for April 6th and April 13th. Meetings are currently being held weekly on Mondays at 7pm at the King Building, and the agenda is posted on the School Committee website. A new schedule of meetings beyond April 13th will be discussed during our next two meetings. These are open public meetings and community members are encouraged to attend.

The Task Force also welcomes contributions via email: framcomm@gmail.com

Members of the Task Force include:

Jim Stockless, Co-Chair

Greg Palmer, Co-Chair

Don Taggart III

Dr. Eric Silverman

Kim Comatas

Laura Richards

Catherine Allen

Brad Puffer

Geoff Epstein

Brian Menna