The Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) was chartered in 1969 and is an organization of school public relations professionals whose goal is to improve educational communication and support student achievement through systematic, proactive, and responsible public relations programs.

I hope your 2025-26 school year is off to a strong and energizing start! This summer, I made it a priority to truly reset and recharge — I even took a real vacation (and it was glorious!). I hope you also found time to rest and renew before diving into the busy fall season.

As I step into my second year serving as the CCIU’s director of communications, marketing, and engagement, and as PenSPRA’s executive director, I’ve been reflecting on the amount of change this past year has brought. Stepping into new leadership roles has been both exciting and challenging. I’ve learned that with change, not everything goes as planned and that outcomes are unpredictable and often outside of our control. What we can control is how we respond. For me, that means staying solution-focused and asking, “How can I help?” I know many of you approach your work the very same way.

After all, PenSPRA members are no strangers to the unexpected. In our districts, surprises are constant. Yet our ability to adapt, problem-solve, and keep a steady voice at the leadership table is what makes us strong. We see the big picture, we anticipate challenges, and we find the words to help our communities understand. That’s not just communications — it’s leadership.

And leadership matters now more than ever. Public education is navigating uncertain waters, from delayed state budgets to evolving legislation and executive orders. These changes can feel daunting, especially when our role is to communicate their impact clearly and responsibly. But this is also where our resilience and collective expertise shine.

Read more here!