NSPRA Academy 2026-27: Small District Superintendent Track

Elevate Your District's Voice

Practical communication strategies for superintendents balancing district leadership with the responsibility of keeping staff, families and communities informed and engaged.

"One of the reasons my district continues to be successful is because of our strategic communication efforts that have been so influenced by the best practices, research and professional learning opportunities that NSPRA offers."

- Rosanna Mucetti, Ed.D., Superintendent, Napa Valley (Calif.) Unified School District

Use the green registration button above to register.
 

Track Overview

This track of NSPRA Academy is for you if...

• You’re a superintendent who is also one of your district’s primary communicators.
• Your district doesn’t have a dedicated school communications professional.
• You have limited communications staff or resources and need to make the most of what you have.
• Communications is one of many responsibilities competing for your attention.
• You want practical strategies and tools you can put to work right away.
• You’d benefit from learning alongside other superintendents navigating similar challenges.

What do we mean by "small district?"

There’s no single enrollment number that defines a small school district, and we know “small” can look very different from one community to another. This Academy is less about a specific student enrollment and more about the realities of leading communication with limited staff, time and resources.

This comprehensive track of NSPRA Academy program empowers superintendents to:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of communications in a small district setting, from strategy to daily operations.
• Master internal communication strategies to unify staff and connect with your entire school community.
• Develop robust strategies for combating misinformation, protecting your district's reputation and building trust.
• Build a resilient crisis communication toolkit, enabling confident and effective response during emergencies.
• Navigate crucial board relationships through effective communication, fostering collaboration and alignment.
• Discover innovative ways to expand your communication capacity, even without dedicated staff.
• Leverage communications to earn vital community support for ballot initiatives and district success.
• Master essential communication platforms and tools, equipping you with a practical toolkit for daily use.

Program Dates and Topics

All modules are virtual and are on Tuesdays from 12 - 2 p.m. EST. Enrollees will receive a separate invitation with calendar invites and Zoom links. All enrollees are invited to monthly office hours with the Academy facilitator.

• Module 1 (September 22): The Big Picture: Building Your District's Communications Blueprint  | Guest Presenter: Jill Filer, Lead Strategist with CESO Communications (Mo.)
• Module 2 (October 20): Misinformation: Overcoming False Information in Small Districts | Guest Presenter: Laura Langebartels, Director of Communication & Community Engagement with MSD of Wabash County (Ind.)
• Module 3 (November 10): Internal Communications - Connecting Your Staff, Unifying Your Schools | Guest Presenter: Mitchell Roush, Director of Communications & Marketing with Grand Island Public Schools (Neb.)
• Module 4 (January 19): Crisis Ready Communications: Building a Toolkit and Trust | Guest Presenter: Karen Heath, Director of Communications and Public Relations with Berrien RESA (Mich.)
• Module 5 (February 16): Board Communications: Navigating Small District Relationships | Guest Presenter: Marci Orr, APR, Director of Communications with Mexico School District #59 (Mo.)
• Module 6 (March 16): Creative Comms Support: Expanding Capacity in Small Districts | Guest Presenter: Ashlee Meredith, Supervisor of Communication with New Kent Public Schools (Va.)
• Module 7 (April 20): Comms & the Ballot Box: Earning Community Support for Success | Guest Presenter: Meghan Baule, Director of Communications with Colchester School District (N.H.)

• Module 8 (May 18): Your Communication Toolkit: Mastering Essential Platforms | Guest Presenters: Keegan Kociss - Communications Specialist with Community Consolidated School District 146 (Ill.) | Lori Buselt - Executive Director of Communications with Maize USD 266 (Kan.) | Bryanna Moody - Communications and Marketing Coordinator with Kaukauna Area School District (Wisc.)

   

Pricing and Registration

Invest in your leadership and your district's success with flexible learning options:

• Full Track Enrollment (Use the green registration button above to register)
  • $1,500 for NSPRA Members
  • $2,000 for Non-Members
• In-Depth Learning Bundle - 4 modules of your choosing
  • $850 for NSPRA Members
  • $1,200 for Non-Members
• Knowledge Builder Bundle - 3 modules of your choosing
  • $700 for NSPRA Members
  • $975 for Non-Members
• Core Essentials Bundle - 2 modules of your choosing
  • $500 for NSPRA Members
  • $700 for Non-Members
• Single Module Registration 
  • $299 for NSPRA Members
  • $425 for Non-Members