At a time when trust in public education is fragile and expectations for transparency, access, and partnership are higher than ever, strengthening relationships with families and community partners is essential to building/rebuilding trust, supporting student success, and advancing district priorities. This three-part academy helps communications professionals and/or FACE staff align their work through clear systems, integrated strategies, and authentic engagement practices. Participants will explore how engagement and communications reinforce each other, learn approaches that work in both large and small districts, and leave with practical tools to build sustainable, districtwide partnerships.

Module 3: Thursday, April 30, 2026 (12 - 2 p.m. ET, Virtual): Making Engagement Sustainable: Systems, Partnerships & Long-Term Alignment 

Turn engagement into a long-term system, not a series of isolated events. This session focuses on building durable structures, strengthening school- and community-level partnerships, and measuring what matters. You'll leave with a sustainability blueprint you can use to guide districtwide engagement, no matter your role or district size.

Guest Facilitator: Cristin Casper, External Engagement and Strategic Communications Specialist, Beaufort County School District (S.C.)