School Leaders and The Key to Communications

"Having the ability to communicate is one key factor in being an effective building leader.  Especially today, when communication channels are rapidly increasing and the need for connectivity between the principal and their school community is in high demand." - Caston Binger

Effective communication by a principal is a definitive cornerstone to a school’s success.  The principal's position requires one to write often and effectively.  Being responsible for communicating with all constituents demands a principal to present clear and concise messaging.  Using various channels of communication allows a leader to increase the likelihood that the school community will have access to pertinent information. There are various methods I would use to connect with all stakeholders.

  1. As principal, I’ll always use public meetings and events as opportunities to communicate with the school, the community and political entities.  These opportunities would also allow me to continue to have authentic discussions with all stakeholders. Gatherings such as school board meetings, conferences, seminars, open house, parent-teacher conference meetings, and local festivals would all serve as platforms for communicating with the school community and other special interest groups.

  2. Though this practice is more traditional and slower in pace, I would also reach a large population of stakeholders by distributing newsletters and leaflets to the local community via postal mail service. In addition, I could have pertinent information presented in local newspapers and other district publications.

  3. School personnel is another valuable resource for communicating with community stakeholders. I would utilize my building outreach coordinators to meet with local business partners to discuss school programs and other educational related matters. I would also look to use the building parent liaison in a capacity to make home visits to meet with and communicate with parents.

  4. Lastly and most importantly, I would use all forms of digital forms of communication. This includes:

    • Website:  A school website can keep members of the school community informed with up-to-the-minute information regarding strategic plans, goals, and the latest updates. This would allow our school to have a presence online. Newsletters and scheduled events would be shared using this platform.

    •  Emails: Using the district email service would allow me to communicate with the entire school community by using the large distribution function.

    • Interactive phone systems:  This process would enable mass messages to be sent out via text messaging or phone calls. In addition, the “Robo Call” feature would enable our school to communicate to all landline and mobile phone users.

    • Social Media:   A majority of the school community are actively engaged on one or more social media platform.  I would effectively utilize platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to put our school in an excellent position to amplify and circulate a message when needed.  

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