NJSPRA announces new officers to share critical school districts information

TRENTON, N.J. — Whether it’s news about students participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition, or an unexpected crisis on school premises, the New Jersey Schools Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) is prepared to disseminate that information to the public.

To fulfill this responsibility, NJSPRA recently held its annual meeting in Trenton, where it announced its newly elected officers for 2018-19, who include school communications professionals, supervisors and superintendents.

“Our members play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of their respective school districts,” says Lori Perlow, NJSPRA president.

“Between the ongoing need to share the good news happening in our schools and the unexpected crises that we’re faced with, our members are always prepared to effectively communicate critical information on behalf of their districts,” she says.

Thus, the new NJSPRA officials are:

– Lori Perlow, president (2-year term). She is communication manager at Camden County Educational Services Commission.

– Nancy Dries, treasurer (2-year term). She is the communications coordinator at Millburn Township Public Schools

– Kia Bergman, secretary. She is the outreach coordinator at Hillsborough Township Public Schools.

– Daniel Alston, vice president. He is the supervisor of innovation, design and communication at Middletown Township School District.

– Sarah Bilotti, vice president. She is the superintendent of North Warren Regional School District

– Maren Smagala, vice president. She is district communications coordinator at North Hunterdon – Voorhees Regional High School District

– Nicholas Diaz, superintendent advisory committee. He is superintendent of Union Township Schools (Hunterdon County)

– Judy Palermo, chair. She is the public information officer at Piscataway Schools.

In addition to the elected officers, Diaz will also lead the newly formed superintendent advisory committee, and Palermo will chair the new sponsorship committee.

The NJSPRA is a state chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). It is nationally recognized for its efforts on behalf of school public relations professionals. Members represent school districts and independent public relations agencies throughout New Jersey.

For more than 25 years, NJSPRA has provided professional development, resources and support in all facets of communication to education communities throughout New Jersey.