Thursday, December 12, 2024

In August 2023, the Berkley School District successfully passed an $88 million Bond initiative with 69% voter approval to fund major upgrades to facilities and instructional technology, completing the vision started with a $59 million Bond in 2015. Unlike traditional campaigns focused on repairs, this initiative highlighted a forward-thinking vision with the tagline, What if Berkley Schools facilities matched our award-winning programming? The campaign engaged the community in imagining enhanced learning environments, including a multi-purpose athletic field house and upgraded classroom furniture, inspiring trust and buy-in despite challenges such as competing tax proposals and differing community opinions.

In February 2024, Rochester Community Schools (RCS) successfully secured voter approval for its non-homestead operating millage proposal, safeguarding 10.7% of its annual budget—approximately $24.5 million per year—and ensuring the district received full state funding. Recognizing the challenges of communicating complex school funding mechanisms, limited outreach time between holidays, and potential misinformation, the RCS community relations team launched a coordinated informational campaign. Through strategic efforts, the campaign clarified the importance of the 18-mill levy, enabling voters to make confident, informed decisions. The overwhelming community support reinforced the RCS commitment to maintaining high-quality educational programs for nearly 15,000 students.

Congratulations, Berkley and Rochester Schools! We look forward to celebrating your efforts further at MSPRA’s Annual Conference in March.

MSPRA members have shared through surveys that they would like more opportunities to connect with colleagues between our in-person events. Please save the date for these regional zooms and don't hesitate to reach out to your regional contact to add items to the agenda.

• Second Regional Zoom before Annual Conference, March 11-12 (Tues. & Wed.)

• Central Region (red) Thu., Jan. 23, noon, contact: John Ellsworth

• Northern region (yellow/blue) - Jan. 17, noon, contact: Rebecca Fannon

• Southeast Region (purple): February 13, 1 p.m., contact: Amy Murphy

• Western Region (green) - January 29, noon, contact: Rick Witham
  
  

• Third Regional Zoom before Summer Drive-In, June 25, 2025 (Wed.)

• Central Region (red) Thu., May 22, noon

• Northern region (yellow/blue) - April 25, noon

• Southeast Region (purple) April 30, 1 p.m.

• Western Region (green) - May 7, noon

Our Ottawa County school PR group gathered for a festive holiday meeting, capturing the spirit of collaboration and connection that makes groups like MSPRA so impactful. Together, we shared ideas, strengthened professional bonds, and collected toys for Toys for Tots, which will be donated next week. It’s a wonderful reminder of how meaningful partnerships can enrich our work and community.

Every two years, NSPRA surveys all its members to learn more about their work experiences, professional backgrounds, priorities for professional development and membership benefits, as well as industry salaries and budget trends. This survey landed in members’ email boxes in early December so we invite you to take a few minutes and let NSPRA know what’s on your mind.

Once tallied, the results are shared with members to inform their own communication efforts and used by NSPRA leaders and staff to help improve the member experience. By participating in the survey, you will ensure your experiences and preferences are reflected in the results. The 2024 NSPRA Membership Profile Survey will remain open until Monday, January 6.

If you are not an NSPRA member yet, please be sure to join! We want to ensure all of your voices are heard. Join NSPRA.

NSPRA is now accepting proposals through Thursday, Dec. 19, for sessions at NSPRA 2025 in Washington D.C.

Members of the Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) are public relations directors, communication specialists, superintendents, administrative assistants, community educators, association directors, and others who are responsible for communicating about schools.

Email: mspraboard@gmail.com
Website: www.mspra.org
Phone: (517) 327-5910
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiSPRA