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Event Information
LISC Module 1: Partnering on a Comprehensive Communication Strategy
March 05, 2025
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NOTE: If you are registered for the full program, you do NOT need to register for individual modules. Register for modules ONLY if you are NOT registering for the full program, and are instead registering for select modules.
Module 1 will be presented as a Preconference Workshop at the AASA 2025 National Conference on Education (NCE) in New Orleans, La. This module is available to full LISC program participants and NCE Preconference workshop attendees (requires NCE 2025 registration) only. Learn more about NCE 2025 and the preconference workshop at https://nce.aasa.org/pre-conference-workshops.
When school communicators and superintendents work together, magic can happen. That's why the National School Public Relations Association and AASA, the School Superintendents Association are proud to offer the highly-acclaimed Leadership in School Communication (LISC) program. Module 1 of the program for 2025 takes place in-Person at the AASA National Conference on Education (NCE) in New Orleans.
Module Description: Using NSPRA's Rubrics of Practice and Suggested Measures for School Communications publication, participants will begin to understand the elements of creating a comprehensive communication program. These elements include supporting board policies, training for cabinet-level staff, creating a communication plan based on research, social media and branding. Participants will also see the importance of aligning the communication program with the district's strategic plan.
Examples of high performing superintendent-communications director teams will be shared as well as success strategies for superintendents in small districts without the capacity to add communications staff. Hear from two school systems that recently faced school closures, redistricting, renaming of campuses or an overhaul of how they recruit and retain families to stave off enrollment decline. Speakers will share how strategic communications strategies help them navigate these challenging yet necessary events.
Speakers: Dr. Jennnifer Blaine, superintendent, and Linda Buchman, associate superintendent for communications and community engagement, Spring Branch (Texas) Independent School District; Dr. Frederick C. Williams, superintendent, and Ashley-Michelle Thublin, APR, director of strategic and crisis communications, Dublin City (Ga.) Schools.
If you cannot attend in person, this module will be recorded. Those who register for the entire program or this individual module will be emailed a copy of the recording.
Register using the teal button above.
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Agenda
Speakers
| Name | Organization | Speaking At |
|---|---|---|
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Ashley-Michelle Thublin
<p>Ashley-Michelle Thublin, APR is serving in her tenth year of School PR. Prior to her current role as Dublin City Schools Director of Strategic and Crisis Communications, she served as Asheville City Schools’ Executive Director of Communications as well as the Public Information Officer for North Carolina’s Richmond County Schools . She has been an active member of both Georgia and the National School Public Relations Association. She currently represents the Southeast Region on NSPRA’s Accreditation Committee and received the distinction of NSPRA 35 under 35 in 2017. Additionally, Ashley-Michelle presented at the NCSPRA Fall 2018, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 conferences about the district’s comprehensive, strategic year-round communications plan, entitled #TheACSWay and about earning her Accreditation in Public Relations as well as at the NSPRA Summer 2020 and Summer 2022 Annual Conference. </p>
<p>As a member of her Superintendent’s Leadership Team, Ashley-Michelle’s role include crisis communications, issues management, community relations, marketing, media relations, strategic planning and, of course, “all other duties as assigned,” but her favorite days are spent visiting schools so she can tell the the stories of Dublin City’s students and staff members.</p>
<p>Ashley-Michelle was one of four communications professionals across the country to earn a 2022 NSPRA Gold Medallion, the highest honor for School Public Relations. Under her leadership, her districts have also earned six Best of the Bests from both the North Carolina and Georgia School Public Relations Association.</p>
<p>Ashley-Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Journalism and History from New York University. After an arduous year and a half long process (which included both a new superintendent search and COVID), she earned her Accreditation in Public Relations in September 2020 before becoming a momma to Judah Thomas Cook on January 15th. To learn more about her district (and see cute baby photos), check her Twitter @amthublin.</p>
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Dublin City Schools (GA) | - |
| Jennifer Blaine | Spring Branch ISD | - |
| Linda Buchman | Spring Branch ISD | - |