Boston Public Schools launches Strategic Communications Initiative to increase public support for education reform

BOSTON - The Boston Public Schools (BPS) today announced a new initiative to strengthen the school district's communications with internal and external stakeholders, with the goal of improving public involvement and support for Boston's education reform efforts.

The Boston School Committee and Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant announced a new Strategic Communications Initiative for the design and implementation of a comprehensive public awareness and engagement campaign. Christopher M. Horan, who currently serves as the district's Chief of Staff, will lead a coordinated, sustained and proactive initiative around marketing, public and media relations, web and electronic communication. The initiative will be designed and executed to engage parents, students, community-based organizations, religious institutions, higher education, the business sector, and the general public around the district's education reform agenda.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino applauded the creation of a coordinated campaign to promote awareness of the changes taking place in the Boston schools. "When I visit schools, I see so much good work that doesn't get nearly enough positive attention," said Mayor Menino. "When I talk to people in the community, they consistently talk about the wonderful educational experiences that their children are having. It's time for us to get the word out and get the community to think differently about the Boston Public Schools. We are recognized nationally for our work, and it's important that we communicate locally as well in order to continue the positive gains that have been made. "

Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger, Chair of the Boston School Committee, noted that this initiative "is critical to helping citizens know how to get involved and make a difference in the education of our children. We all need to work together to accelerate reform, and we need everyone on the same page working toward the same goal. This initiative will be the first phase of a multi-year effort to create a more robust and aligned approach to communications as well as resource development so that we may strengthen our capacity to meet the educational needs of our students."

In appointing the new Chief Communications Officer, Dr. Payzant said, "Chris Horan brings strong organizational and communication skills that are critical to developing and implementing this new initiative. Having served as a speechwriter for Mayor Menino, Executive Secretary to the Boston School Committee, and my Chief of Staff, Chris has developed strong and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. He is well-positioned to design and launch a comprehensive effort to help people from all sectors across the city understand and support our education reform work."

"I am honored to help tell the remarkable stories about improvements in the Boston Public Schools," said Horan. "This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the students and adults who are making Boston one of the best urban public school districts in the country - and to generate more support to ensure their continued success."

Dr. Payzant also named Anand Vaishnav as his new Chief of Staff. Since April 2000, Vaishnav has worked as an education reporter for The Boston Globe and prior to that for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Vaishnav recently earned a Master's degree in Education from Harvard University, with a concentration in education policy and management.

View the PowerPoint presentation to the Boston School Committee, "Winning Hearts and Minds: a new approach to strategic communications in the BPS."