Jared Cotton, Ed.D., superintendent of Chesapeake (Va.) Public Schools, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Communication Technology Award for Superintendents. The award, presented by NSPRA in partnership with Blackboard, recognizes one district leader annually for leadership in redefining, upgrading and integrating cutting-edge communication technology to improve and expand outreach and engagement with internal and external education stakeholders.

Since his arrival as superintendent at Chesapeake Public Schools in July 2018, Dr. Cotton’s focus on open and transparent communication with all audiences has propelled his vision to leverage technology as an engagement tool. As part of the district’s Empower 2025 strategic plan, Dr. Cotton and his team have spearheaded the redesign of the district website and superintendent blog, hosted State of the School events that include digital publications and platforms for attendee engagement, implemented live communication services for emergency situations, expanded the district’s social media engagement, launched a platform to collect stakeholder feedback and more.

“The award selection committee was impressed with Superintendent Cotton’s leadership in using technology to improve and enhance communication efforts of the district,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “We’re proud to recognize Dr. Cotton for his incorporation and prioritization of communication technology as an integral part of the district’s strategic plan.”

The Communication Technology Award for Superintendents program is sponsored by Blackboard. Blackboard, a proud sponsor of NSPRA, believes that communication plays a critical role in bringing together and optimizing all the resources that contribute to student success: communities, families, teachers, administrators, and the students themselves.

Blackboard is the leader in K-12 community engagement solutions. From websites and mass notification systems to mobile apps and classroom-to-home messaging tools, we enable you to communicate more effectively. Blackboard is your partner in developing trusting relationships with families by providing you powerful tools, training and support to help you achieve your engagement goals. ​For more information visit Blackboard's website.