About NSPRA
Become a Member
Lead with Impact. Communicate with Purpose.
Today’s education landscape is more complex than ever. From safety concerns to community trust to shifting expectations, effective communication is essential.
The Leadership in School Communication (LISC) program is a one-of-a-kind professional development series designed to strengthen the alignment of district leaders and school communications professionals to deliver clear, consistent messaging that builds trust, drives engagement and improves readiness for high-stakes moments.
Presented in partnership by the National School Public Relations Association and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Special thanks to program sponsor Finalsite.
Four modules. One results-driven blueprint. From October through April, LISC brings district leaders and communications professionals together to solve real challenges and turn strategy into action. Each session delivers practical tools you can put to work immediately. Each module includes a practical reference guide; enroll à la carte or register for the full series for a complete, connected experience. Core areas of focus include:
LISC is built for districts of every size and setup.
Enroll your way and choose the registration option that works best for your district. Whether you register for the full series or a la carte by module, registration covers anyone/everyone from your district you choose to include, such as:
Keep the same lineup for the entire series or invite designated attendees for select sessions. Through a series of dynamic modules, participants will:
Highlights of the program include:
👨🏫 Experienced Presenters: Presented in partnership by NSPRA and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, seasoned education and public relations experts will provide participants with proven practices and strategies to elevate their communication efforts.
📚 Engaging Modules: Each of the program's modules will focus on a timely topic designed to help superintendents and school communicators navigate the ever-changing and complex education landscape.
💡 Transformative Insights: Dive deep into how to best align communication efforts to support your district's overall strategic plan and day-to-day operations.
"The program's collaborative sessions are invaluable to school communication - superintendent teams!" — LISC Program Alumnus Registration Information
— LISC Program Alumnus
Registration Information
Click the arrows below to learn more about each module.
Can't attend a module live? Each session will be recorded and available for participants to catch up on-demand for a flexible learning experience.
In this interactive virtual session, learn how school leaders can build stronger connections by ensuring every voice in the community is heard and valued. Participants will explore practical strategies for creating open lines of communication, encouraging participation from all stakeholder groups, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency. Through real-world examples and lessons learned, this session will highlight how inclusive engagement can strengthen relationships and support student success. Join us for a conversation that puts people – and listening – at the heart of school communication.
In today’s fast-moving information landscape, rumors and inaccuracies can spread quickly, impacting trust, morale, and decision-making. In this session, learn how a strong partnership between the superintendent and the communications team is the key to proactively addressing misinformation.
Through a real-world case study, you'll discover how a district effectively uses clear messaging, community connection, and a focus on transparency to stay ahead of the noise. Participants will walk away with practical approaches for monitoring conversations, correcting false narratives, and strengthening communication systems by working as a united front.
Join us to learn how this powerful collaboration helps a district stay focused on what matters most: students and staff.
When school leaders and communicators work in sync, good communication becomes great. In this module, learn how a strong communications partnership has helped school leaders build trust, stay aligned and lead with clarity, especially when navigating complex or high-profile topics. With an emphasis on mutual support and shared vision, module speakers will offer practical insights for deepening board relationships, amplifying team strengths and keeping the focus where it belongs: on students and community.
Every time a new member joins the board, the entire dynamic shifts, bringing fresh perspectives, priorities and challenges. In this session, hear how a superintendent - communications director duo created a proactive, relationship-driven onboarding process that sets the tone for trust, collaboration and shared purpose. From communication protocols to culture-building conversations, their approach helps ensure every board transition strengthens, not stalls, district momentum. Walk away with practical ideas for supporting your board’s growth and your leadership team's success.
Optional in-person add-on module (separate registration) Go deeper on media response with the "Ready for the Headlines: Media Response for Sensitive Staff Situations" add-on module. This in-person, pre-conference session is offered twice so your team can choose the date that fits:
Add-on modules are not included in LISC full-series registration.
Dr. Mark BedellSuperintendent Anne Arundel County (Md.) Public Schools NSPRA 2025 Grossman Leadership in School Communications Honoree NSPRA National Seminar Presenter
Julie BordesChief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Napa Valley (Calif.) Unified School District NSPRA National Seminar Presenter Award Winning School Communicator
Lesley Bruinton, APRFounder and CEO School Spirit PR NSPRA Past-President NSPRA National Seminar Presenter Award Winning School Communicator
Lori Buselt Executive Director of Communications Maize (Kan.) Unified School District 266 NSPRA 35 Under 35 Honoree NSPRA Professional Development Presenter
Dr. Raquel GreerSuperintendent Maize (Kan.) Unified School District 266 NSPRA Professional Development Presenter NSPRA Superintendent to Watch Honoree
Celi HagaDirector of Communications and Community Relations Eastern Carver County Schools (Minn.) NSPRA Professional Development Presenter
Bob MosierChief Communications Officer Anne Arundel County (Md.) Public Schools Award Winning School Communicator NSPRA National Seminar Presenter
Dr. Rosanna MucettiSuperintendent Napa Valley (Calif.) Unified School District NSPRA National Seminar Presenter NSPRA Vice President At-Large for Superintendents
Dr. Erin RathkeSuperintendent Eastern Carver County Schools (Minn.)
Keep the same lineup for the entire series or invite designated attendees for select sessions.
Register for Full Series
Register: Module 1 (Oct. 16) Engaging Every Voice: How One District Transformed Its Community Culture
Register: Module 2 (Nov. 13): Tackling Misinformation: A Collaborative Strategy for District Leaders
Register: Module 3 (March 5): Shared Vision, Strong Results: A Collaborative Approach to District Communication
Register: Module 4 (April 23): Building Board Cohesion: Structured Onboarding for Trust and Teamwork
Ready for the Headlines: Media Response for Sensitive Staff Situations Module Registration
Go deeper on media response with the "Ready for the Headlines: Media Response for Sensitive Staff Situations" module. This in-person, pre-conference session is offered twice so your team can choose the date that fits:
Register for Module at AASA's NCE 2026: Wednesday, Feb. 11
Register for Module at NSPRA 2026: Saturday, July 18 (coming soon)
If you have any questions, please reach out to pd@nspra.org.
Thank you program sponsor
See How LISC Helped These Members Elevate Communication Strategies