This article was originally published on “The Glenside Local” on October 21, 2024.
Local public relations professional Leza Raffel, president of The Communication Solutions Group, teamed up with Dr. Scott Eveslage, superintendent of Hatboro-Horsham School District, and Dr. Chris Polzer, assistant superintendent of Bristol Township School District, to share insights on community collaborations at the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference.
The trio presented “Fostering Community Collaborations to Grow Public Understanding & Build Brand Identity” at the multi-day conference. Held Oct 6-8 at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos, it’s a joint effort between PASA (Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators) and PSBA (Pennsylvania School Board Association).
“Community collaborations are vital to reach businesses, taxpayers and residents who haven’t been in your schools for years,” said Raffel.
Her agency has provided strategic communication support to Hatboro-Horsham School District since 2001 and Bristol Township School District since 2014. It is also the partner for PSBA’s 24/7 communications support for school districts.
During the presentation, Eveslage and Polzer discussed the unique ways their districts welcome the community in their schools and local organizations they partner with.
With the Willow Grove Navy Air Base located in Horsham, the Hatboro-Horsham School District has strong historic ties to the military community. Among the district’s most popular community events are the Veterans Day breakfasts, which welcome hundreds of veterans annually to enjoy breakfast and share their stories with students.
“Look at who your community is and celebrate their strengths. Our community is very proud of its veterans, and that’s why we celebrate them every year,” said Eveslage. “What started as an event at the middle school has grown to include ceremonies at our high school and elementary schools too.”
Teachers and administrators who are passionate about a cause are why initiatives like the Veterans Day breakfasts are so successful.
In Bristol Township School District, administrators and teachers involved in the high school’s “Think Tank” revamped its back-to-school night to include more community involvement. They rebranded it as Truman Tiger Family Night, including free dinner for more than 600 families in attendance, plus a community fair with 40+ colleges and trade schools, 25 community groups, and 18 clubs and sports.
“I am proud of how our high school team increased attendance at this event to build stronger relationships with our families and community,” said Polzer. “Families enjoyed the open structure of the night, allowing them to tour the building and meet with teachers at their own pace.”
Eveslage and Polzer encouraged the audience to build relationships by regularly meeting with police chiefs, the chamber of commerce, and township and borough officials. Ultimately, these partnerships give students opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise.
To close the presentation, Raffel gave tips on growing community collaborations and getting success stories out to the public. Districts should promote positive events and initiatives through residential newsletters or annual reports, social media, emails, and websites, as well as turning reporters into allies.
“Engaging with your community year-round can lead to a smoother budget planning process,” said Raffel. “With stakeholders more informed of what’s going on, they are much more supportive of the district’s financial needs.”