District’s chief spokesman: Use Facebook, twitter to update, engage public on Superintendent search

At left, Alex Sanchez, Chief Strategic Communications and Engagement Officer listens as Superintendent Wayne Gent speaks with PBPost editorial board. (Greg Lovett/Palm Beach Post)

In discussing how to proceed with its superintendent search Wednesday, the one thing the Palm Beach County School Board didn’t do was ask the district’s Department of Communications and Engagement how it fits into the plan to communicate and engage the public on the search for a new superintendent.

But we did. Turns out the head of that office has a list of ideas.

This is the list submitted to School Board Chairman Chuck Shaw. It’s up to the board to direct Chief Communications Officer Alex Sanchez to move on any or all of these suggestions before it would happen.

How would you like to follow the selection process?

Recommendations for Consideration
Superintendent Search

Communications Support and Considerations

1. Consider creating new website just for the search process
2. Consider creating Facebook page just for the search process
3. Consider creating Twitter account just for the search process
4. Consider starting a new online form so the public and employees to send comments and suggestions
5. Consider sending an email update to employees and the community at least every other week until the permanent superintendent is appointed (short and sweet)
6. Consider establishing protocols/rules as a board to protect the integrity of the process, avoid leaks, speak with one voice, etc
7. Agree on a spokesperson(s) and protocols for handling media inquiries to the organization regarding superintendent search
8. Consider meeting with the editorial boards to discuss commitment to transparency, process, timeline and superintendent profile
9. Publish search process and timeline once established
10. Publish superintendent profile once established
11. Consider holding regular media briefings and doing formal interviews to express commitment to transparency, explain the process, invite the public to participate and discuss timeline
12. Consider holding press conferences for key milestones in the process
13. Final stage of the process requires a robust communications program, especially as the board gets ready to announce community forums with candidates, identify finalists and before  and after the final vote (comprehensive plan will need to be developed)
14. Other

Engagement Support and Considerations

1. Consider appointing an administrator or hiring an outside consultant to support the board with search process (in addition to the search firm)
2. Consider hosting key community leaders and stakeholders early in the process to discuss commitment to transparency, process, timeline and superintendent profile
3. Consider soliciting online input on the type of search process (open or closed, appointing a committee of citizens to help with process, etc), timeline and superintendent profile (qualities to look for)
4. Consider holding small or large community forums to solicit input from parents and the community on the type of search process (open or closed, appointing a committee of citizens to help with process, etc), timeline and superintendent profile (qualities to look for)
5. Consider hiring a search firm (search firms do not fill the engagement or communications needs; only addresses executive search)
6. Publish search process and timeline once established
7. Publish superintendent profile once established
8. Consider search committee made up of community members to help the board identify the best candidates or with other tasks
9. Final stages of process require comprehensive engagement plans
10. Other