SchoolMessenger and NSPRA Host Webinar to Share Outlook and Seek Feedback for Groundbreaking School Communications Benchmark Study

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. and WASHINGTON, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SchoolMessenger, the leading provider of communication solutions for education, and the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), today announced they have partnered to develop a first of its kind benchmarking study focused exclusively on the school communications profession. The two-year project will focus initially on three areas: the structure of a comprehensive communication program, the best practices of internal stakeholder communications, and supportive systems for parent communications.

NSPRA members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend a free webinar on May 9 at 1:00 p.m. EST to learn more about the plans, preview early findings and gather feedback to help shape the final report. To register, visit: www.schoolmessenger.com/benchmark.

"The NSPRA has been helping educators tackle communications issues for more than 70 years and this study reinforces our long-term commitment to the school communications profession," said Rich Bagin, APR and executive director of NSPRA. "The goal of our study is to identify best in class practices and performance measures that will guide the communications professional, the superintendent and board members through a myriad of programs they are asked to tackle. We want to define what a comprehensive communications program is, how to measure it and how a successful program can ultimately contribute to student achievement."

Mr. Bagin will host the upcoming webinar and moderate a panel that features three nationally recognized members from NSPRA's Benchmarking Task Team. They include:

• Barbara Hunter, APR, of the Fairfax County Schools (Virginia)
• Joe Krumm, APR, of the North Clackamas School District (Oregon)
• Sandy Cokeley, APR of Cokeley Communications (New York) and a past president of NSPRA

Results from the benchmarking study will be delivered at the 2012 NSPRA National Seminar, taking place in Chicago from July 8-11.

"Clear and effective communications strategies and programs are critical to every school and district," said Nate Brogan, vice president of marketing at SchoolMessenger. "We are proud to work closely with the NSPRA to develop a study that we hope will serve as the definite source for school communications excellence."

About NSPRA
Since 1935, NSPRA has been providing school communication training and services to school leaders throughout the United States, Canada, and the United States Department of Defense Schools worldwide. NSPRA's mission is to advance education through responsible communication and is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. For more information about NSPRA, go to www.nspra.org.

About SchoolMessenger
SchoolMessenger is a leading provider of communication solutions for education. Thousands of school districts, public schools, colleges, universities, private schools and other educational facilities in all 50 states depend on the company's innovative solutions, including the SchoolMessenger notification service and Talk About It anonymous communication service. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. For information, visit http://www.schoolmessenger.com or call 888.527.5225.

Media Contact:
Carleen LeVasseur
SchoolMessenger Public Relations
408-264-6767
[email protected]

SOURCE SchoolMessenger