PLAN

Brainstorm with your team to create a wish list of activities aimed at improving connections. Prioritize key actions for the next three months, and don’t forget to tap into the ideas of your team, friends, and neighbors—they can offer fresh perspectives.

If your plan feels more random and is based on assumptions, consider conducting an audit to better identify gaps.

Presence: Where can you make the biggest impact? Develop a list of the community’s network and connect. school events, senior centers andl iving communities, local business associations, community events, and media outlets. Focus on areas that will engage the widest audience.

Topics: What’s worth discussing? Consider these areas of interest – district transparency, recruitment, positive news, district statistics, fiscal stewardship, safety, annual planning, bonds & levies, community surveys, and district accreditation.

Tools: What Channels do you use to effectively communicate? Consider in-person events, social media, mailers, newsletters, your website, and presentations.

Prioritize: Create a focused action plan for the first quarter to ensure manageable progress.

SCHEDULE

Start with a Manageable Schedule: Begin with a reasonable number of action items based on your plan. Overloading your schedule can lead to burnout and setbacks, even with successful initiatives.

Share the Load: Involve your team—administration, staff, volunteers, commissioners, and consultants. Dividing the tasks promotes ownership, fosters pride, and provides opportunities for professional growth.

BONDS & LEVIES

Effective communication about the district’s needs for facilities, equipment, staffing, and operations must be ongoing.

Planning for capital projects and operational levies starts years before the ballot. Begin educating your community early so they’re informed and ready to support your initiatives when the time comes.

Strong planning involves continuous education and forming a dedicated committee—both internal team members and community supporters—to drive the effort.

Engage your community early to :

• Assess their understanding of district needs, and
• Gauge the likelihood of ballot success.

AUDIENCE

Reaching and building trust with your entire community is essential. Tailor your efforts to resonate with each diverse group.

PERSONALITY EXAMPLES

Relationship Builders – Trust is nurtured through personal, in-person connections.

Data Seekers – Provide detailed information to build trust with those who value the facts and seek more information considered “in the weeds.”

Just the Essentials – For those who prefer a high-level overview, offer concise, key points.

Passive but Interested – Engage with minimal effort—attend events and provide informational mailings to stay on their radar.

PLAN, DEPLOY, ADJUST

As you build community support, track your successes and insights. While adjustments will happen along the way, make time for a formal review to assess your progress. Evaluate what’s working—then increase, adjust, or eliminate efforts to keep your program evolving and improving.

HCG AS YOUR RESOURCE

HCG is here to support your efforts in whatever capacity works best for you—whether the support is monthly coaching, printed pieces, website improvements, specific program feedback, or periodic assessments.

We’re committed to your district’s success and ready to provide practical, substantive support focused on your goals!

Reach out to us today!