The award recognizes one district leader annually for their leadership in redefining, upgrading and integrating cutting-edge communication technology to improve and expand outreach and engagement with internal and external education stakeholders.
“I am honored to accept the Communications Technology Award on behalf of our team. In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is crucial to the future of public education. Using cutting-edge technologies creates an interconnected ecosystem that bridges the gap between students, parents, educators, and the community at large. And, my advice is to make it memorable and make it meaningful,” said Superintendent Jason Manuel.
A champion for two-way communication and a proponent for leveraging technology to support and advance community engagement, Superintendent Manuel’s focus on strategic communication is underscored by the district’s Strategic Plan 2025: Inspiring Personal Excellence. Now in its third year of implementation, the strategic plan includes a community partnership goal that aims to increase “awareness of the excellent education and innovative programs offered at Germantown Municipal School District” and to strengthen “current parent outreach and engagement with the goal of building positive pathways of communication.”
In support of those objectives, Superintendent Manuel and his team have implemented a new GMSD mobile app; the district’s digital Neighborhood Newsletter to students, parents and community members; a “Let’s Talk” messaging platform that supports customer service by allowing stakeholders to engage (anonymously if they prefer) in a two-way dialogue with district staff; wide-reaching community engagement events and more.
“Superintendent Manuel has spearheaded communications initiatives that have enhanced transparency, community involvement, and collaboration among all stakeholders. He and his team work hard to ensure every member of our community is informed and has the opportunity for meaningful engagement with the District. On behalf of the school board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Superintendent for receiving the prestigious NSPRA Communication Technology Award,” said Germantown Board of Education Chairman Ryan Strain.
“The award selection committee was impressed with Superintendent Manuel’s leadership in using technology to improve and enhance district communications and engagement,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “Communication technology is an integral part of the district’s strategic plan success, and we’re proud to recognize those efforts.”
To learn more about the award, visit www.nspra.org/comm-tech-award.
About NSPRA
As the leader in school communication, NSPRA serves more than 2,700 members who work primarily as communication directors in public school districts and education organizations throughout the United States and Canada. NSPRA provides high quality professional development programming through on-demand learning, an annual National Seminar, webinars, online forums and resources. For more information, visit NSPRA’s website at www.nspra.org.