Rochester Superintendent Named Communicator Of The Year

ROCHESTER, MI — Rochester Community Schools Supt. Robert Shaner has earned the Superintendent Communicator of the Year award from the Michigan Schools Public Relations Association.

“I am truly honored," said Shaner. "We take great pride in building relationships and engaging with our community through open, transparent and respectful communication.”

Judy Evola, director of community relations and marketing with Walled Lake Schools and the MSPRA awards chairperson presented the award at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

“Being transparent, visible and proactive are Dr. Shaner’s communication hallmarks.” said Evola. “I realize this is on the heels of Dr. Shaner receiving the Michigan Superintendent of the Year award from the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA).”

When presenting the honor, Evola talked about how Dr. Shaner exceeded the five criteria for the award. The selection criteria included demonstrating the value of a year-round, ongoing communications program, investing in communication tools, strategically working with district communication professionals, practicing communication management techniques, and demonstrating excellent personal communication skills such as ethics, honesty, openness and good listening skills.

“Dr. Shaner is a strong advocate for public education, and he purposefully engages in dialogue with members of the business community and local, state, and national leaders. By strategically utilizing all available resources, to include face-to-face, phone, and email communication, along with print, broadcast, and social media, Dr. Shaner effectively connects with all community stakeholders,” said Evola.

Evola also presented the district with the MSPRA Gold Medallion award. This honor recognizes RCS for developing a comprehensive communications program that promotes efforts to ensure all RCS community members feel safe, valued and respected, as outlined in the RCS Respect Code. “Our communications seek to assure families that we care about our school community’s well-being and that we are advancing a culture of inclusion and understanding,” said Lori Grein, executive director of strategic communications.

The Gold Medallion is the highest honor given by MSPRA.