“Communication is the Key – Growing Your Own In-House Communication Professionals to Support and Spread Your District’s Message and Story”
Breakout Session #4
Presentation Date: Monday, October 28
Presentation Time: 4:15 - 5:05 p.m.
Location: Tundra C
Handouts
Slide Presentation
Handout #1
Handout #2
DESCRIPTION:
This session will share the journey of the Pardeeville Area School District (student population of 860 students) and how, starting in 2014, they leveraged staff to launch a communications strategy using printed newsletters and social media to tell the story of the school district, provide support for numerous successful operational and facility referendums, and create a unified messaging system. This session will provide relevant information for schools of any size that do not have dedicated communication staff and give attendees resources that they can use in their own school districts to help improve and streamline their communication platforms, strengthen community and school relationships and demonstrate the value of clear communication from school districts during an era of increased communication platforms.
PRESENTER: Jason LeMay, former Pardeeville Superintendent, current Ladysmith Superintendent
Jason LeMay was the Pardeeville High School principal starting in 2011, then became Superintendent in 2021. In 2024, he assumed the superintendent seat in the Ladysmith School District. Having spent over 20 years in rural schools, Jason is an advocate for the many benefits that rural schools can provide students and communities. He also understands the importance of communicating the many things rural school have to offer. Jason is currently finishing his PhD at UW-Madison with a focus on the successful passage of operational referendums for new and early career superintendents in rural school districts.
PRESENTER: Travis Houslet, Part-time Pardeeville High School Special Education Paraprofessional and Part- time Communications Coordinator
Travis Houslet started at Pardeeville High School as a paraprofessional and then shifted to a hybrid position that he currently serves in as a part- time special education aide and a part-time communications coordinator for the school district. Prior, Travis worked for over 20 years as a sports editor for both weekly and daily newspapers in South Central Wisconsin.