PR Resources NSPRA Research Services for School Districts NSPRA Communication Audit

See the full picture. Plan with purpose.

A communication audit: your strategic advantage

The term “audit” can sound intimidating, but in the world of communication, it’s an opportunity to gain a strategic edge. At NSPRA, we approach communication audits as a way to fine-tune your strategy—ensuring your messages are impactful, your channels are effective and your audiences are engaged.

Our audits are not just assessments; they’re a comprehensive review designed to provide you with actionable insights. We’ll help you identify what’s working and pinpoint areas for improvement, all while supporting you with a detailed plan for growth.

In today’s landscape, where trends and expectations evolve rapidly, regular communication audits are essential, NSPRA is here to help you stay ahead of these shifts by continuously refining your approach and ensuring that your communication strategies remain effective and aligned with your school community's needs.

What is a communication audit?

An NSPRA Communication Audit is a comprehensive, independent review of how communication flows throughout your entire district—across departments, schools and stakeholder groups. It’s designed to uncover what’s working, what’s missing and what steps you can take to build a stronger, more strategic communication system.

Conducted by experienced NSPRA consultants, each audit provides clear findings, practical recommendations, and real-world guidance to help your team align communication with district goals, build trust, and tell your story more effectively.

What does the audit cover?

Audits include:

• SCOPE Survey™
• A review of communication materials, platforms and processes
• Focus groups and/or interviews with staff, families, students and community members
• Analysis of internal and external messaging, including accessibility
• Evaluation of communication staffing, roles and responsibilities
• Assessment of how communication efforts align with district goals, priorities and brand identity

What will you walk away with?

• A professionally written report with key findings and actionable recommendations
• Guidance grounded in NSPRA’s best practices and national trends
• Realistic next steps tailored to your district’s context
•  Talking points and visuals for sharing results with leadership, staff or your board
• A stronger foundation for communication planning, staffing and investment decisions

Why choose NSPRA’s Communication Audits?

The trusted voice in school PR
NSPRA has been leading school communication since 1935. Our auditors are former school communication leaders who know education from the inside out.

We work with you—not just on you
This is not a compliance check or canned assessment. It’s a thoughtful, collaborative process designed to build clarity, confidence and capacity in your district.

Proven process, professional results
Districts consistently report that the audit process builds momentum, strengthens alignment and makes communication feel more intentional and strategic.

The audit process at a glance

1. Kickoff and planning
   We align on goals, timeline and stakeholders.
2. Research and analysis
   We review materials, conduct focus groups/interviews and analyze communication practices.
3. Findings and recommendations
   We compile a written report with themes, observations and action steps.
4. Presentation
   We present findings to your team, board, or leadership—and remain available for follow-up support.

When is the right time to request a communication audit?

You don’t need to wait for something to go wrong to take a closer look at your communication efforts. In fact, times of change or growth are often the best times to pause, reflect, and make sure your messages are clear, consistent, and reaching the right people. Districts often choose to begin an audit:

• When launching or refreshing a strategic communication plan
• During a leadership transition
• When you suspect internal confusion or stakeholder distrust
• After rapid growth, consolidation or rebranding
• To proactively assess the reach, clarity and impact of their communication program—even when things seem to be working well

Let’s get started

Audit pricing is based on district size, scope and complexity. To learn more, please fill out the form below and a member of NSPRA's research team will contact you.

•   "This was an independent, comprehensive look at communications in our district.
  Not only did we learn perceptions from various constituencies, but we also were measured against the best across the country. I am so excited to have a report that provides strengths and opportunities for improvement. "
   

  - Past Audit Client

•  

  "The insight and level of detail we gained was extremely valuable. Having an anonymous process to gather feedback helped us gain detailed insight. "

  - Past Audit Client

•  

  "This was a great assessment of our current communication program backed by quantitative and qualitative data. "

  - Past Audit Client

•  

  "The [recommendations and action steps] are the most valuable part of the audit. The recommendations, action steps and quick wins have helped frame our communication plan for the following school years. "

  - Past Audit Client

•  

  "The [recommendations and action steps] are my favorite sections because not only does it give actionable items, but it also provides a roadmap for implementing the recommendations. This will allow us to make positive changes for our department that may have otherwise been very daunting. "

  - Past Audit Client

•  

  "If you want to be the best, you must be willing to be measured next to the best. The Benchmarking section really brought into perspective the strengths and weaknesses of our communication work. I loved it so much that I bought NSPRA's benchmarking book so I can strategically plan and measure progress as we implement the recommendations. "

  - Past Audit Client