School leaders, board members, communications professionals and education stakeholders from across New Jersey gathered at the New Jersey School Boards Association headquarters in Trenton for the annual School Public Relations Forum. This event featured a full day of timely sessions presented by public relations professionals and education leaders, offering practical guidance and best practices for maximizing impact in minimal time.
Dr. Timothy Purnell, executive director and CEO of NJSBA, provided opening remarks to a crowded room of attendees. The morning kicked off with a keynote presentation from Heather Daniel, director of communications and policy at Edison Township Public Schools. Titled, “Productivity Lab: Designing Systems That Save Time and Strengthen Trust,” Daniels’ presentation highlighted the core of the School Public Relations Forum, which was centered around productive efficiency.
Attendees also heard from three representatives from the Woodstown-Pilesgrove School District: Philip Campbell, world language teacher and educational technologist; Mary Cundey, MTSS interventionist; and Matt Ciociola, supervisor of innovation and student achievement. Their presentation, “AI: How Does it Make the Job Easier?” provided a brief history of artificial intelligence and its evolution over the past seventy years. They gave practical strategies of how AI can be used in the education landscape, both administratively and in the classroom.
The School Public Relations Forum was proudly sponsored by Apptegy. Alex Guzzo, regional partnerships manager, shared his presentation, “Signaling Change: AI & School Communication.” Over lunch, attendees learned about the use of artificial intelligence and the role it plays in the job of a school communicator.
Following this lunchtime presentation, attendees dispersed in small groups to afternoon breakout sessions. These learning labs, presented by leaders in school communications, highlighted key areas in which all public relations professionals and board members alike can improve their skills.
- “Social Media Do’s and Don’ts” – Presented by Maren Smalaga, president of the New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) and communications officer for Hunterdon Central Regional High School; and Michelle Kennedy, senior field service representative for NJSBA.
- “Communications Planning/Website” – Presented by Christine Corliss, president-elect of NJSPRA and public information officer for Ridgewood Public Schools.
- “Branding & Tools” – Presented by Jennifer Baldassari, communications manager for Lawrence Public Schools; and Skye Dillon, branding and graphic design expert.
- “Newsletters, Outreach, & Community” – Presented by Danielle Schwartz, communications officer for Ramsey School District; and Paul Brubaker, director of communications for Newark Public Schools.
The NJSBA’s School Public Relations Forum continues to be a vital gathering place for education leaders to learn, network, and grow. As school communications evolve, so too does the need for clarity, credibility, and collaboration.
Check out the recap video!
