BURLINGTON TWP., N.J. – Responding to recent school tragedies, the New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) is building trust in the school systems through “honest
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communications.”
Two weeks ago, the NJSPRA took action by hosting and event called, “School Safety Communications Symposium: The Parent Perspective,” at Burlington Township High School Performing Arts Center, where 75 New Jersey school administrators attended.
A parent name Paul Minoff, who is the father of two survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy that took place in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018, spoke at the event.
Minoff said, “It is critical to those who put their trust in the school systems for education to also be able to trust that the school officials will properly communicate with them.”
He continued to say that, “thorough and honest communication is key.”
Joining Minoff on the dais, were other supporters such as Jeff Gale from New Department of Education’s Office of School Safety and Preparedness and Scott Newgass of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement.
Also, joining via video conference from Minnesota, was Rick Kaufman, a school communications professional who was among the first-responders to triage victims during the Columbine High School tragedy that occurred in April, 20 years ago.
The symposium informed and educated school administrators on the best practices related to school crisis communications.
“Schools that are willing to take the perceived or imagined risks of communicating difficult information are usually rewarded by the appreciation and trust of their community,” said Newgass.
Leading the panel was Alicia D’Anella, Esq. of the Comengo Law Group who also sponsored the event.
D’Anella commented that, “Developing a communications strategy that anticipates the needs of stakeholders is an essential component of risk management. Districts that are prepared to communicate responsively, rather than reactively, provide leadership, reassurance and healing to their communities.”
Other co-hosts of the event were Burlington Township Public School District and the Camden County Educational Services Commission.