School District Hires New Communications Director

The  has hired a new director of communications and community engagement, filling a position that has been vacant for more than a year.

Susan Brott, who currently works as director of communications for the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools, brings more than 13 years of experience in public schools communications and community engagement to the district.

Superintendent Ric Dressen said Brott and the district's communications department will play a "critical role" in Edina's strategic and leadership planning.

"Susan Brott brings the experience and talent we need to further enhance both our external and internal communications strategies," Dressen said. "We welcome her to the Edina Public Schools team."

Prior to her current position, Brott spent time as the community services and communications coordinator for White Bear Lakes Area Schools.

She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota School Public Relations Association, was a member of a Minnesota Department of Education communications advisory committee for public education issues and achieved Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the National Universal Accreditation Board of Public Relations Society of America.

Jerel Norton was Edina's last communications manager, having worked for the district during the 2010-11 school year. Norton left the district last May. Before that, Jolene Goldade filled the slot prior to taking a position with the Hopkins School District.