From the Dallas Metroplex to Kodiak Island: Growing as a Communications Leader

Two years ago, I made the leap from the bustling Dallas Metroplex, where I had spent 18 years in a suburban school district in Little Elm, Texas to Kodiak Island, Alaska. The move wasn’t just about trading city life for the rugged beauty of island life—it was about becoming the superintendent of a small, rural district with unique challenges.

In the Dallas Area, I worked within a mid-sized Texas district, Little Elm ISD, supported by a robust central office. In Kodiak, however, it’s all hands on deck. Our district, with its few departments, requires every leader—including myself—to wear multiple hats. One of the first things I learned was the need for improved communication, a sentiment echoed by our school staff, tribal members, and community during our strategic planning.

We live in a diverse community that includes everything from U.S. Coast Guard families to villages in remote parts of the island. To serve them all, we needed communication tools that could reach everyone—on multiple platforms. I quickly realized that to lead this effort effectively, I had to develop my skills in school communications.

"Having a communications plan in place helped us respond thoughtfully and compassionately in an unimaginable situation."

Enter the AASA/NSPRA Leadership in School Communications Program. I joined the program after seeing an email, and in the last eight months, it has transformed how I lead communications in our district. The program equipped me with new strategies, which have made us more proactive in telling our story and engaging our community.

One of the biggest changes has been the implementation of a Communications Roadmap. Now, instead of scrambling to put together content, we plan ahead, creating graphics and content for our social media posts in advance. We’ve also strengthened relationships with local media outlets like public radio and the local newspaper to ensure we’re sharing stories that align with our district’s mission and vision.

Another improvement has been our approach to newsletters. I now send a weekly newsletter to school and district leaders, weekly updates to board members, and monthly newsletters to district staff and the broader community. It’s a small but significant step that keeps everyone informed and engaged.

The value of the LISC program’s resources became especially clear when we faced two tragic student losses. Having a communications plan in place helped us respond thoughtfully and compassionately in an unimaginable situation.

Moving to Alaska wasn’t just about geographical change—it was about growing as a leader. Thanks to the AASA/NSPRA Leadership in School Communications Program, I’ve added essential tools to my superintendent toolbox, ensuring I can better serve my district’s communication needs.