HOW DO SCHOOL STAFF BUILD STRONG RELATIONS WITH COMMUNITY

First, find out what the community knows about its schools. Use whatever means you
can get this done via questionnaires, surveys, interviews, or neighborhood meetings to solicit
information.
Once the public relations issues are identified, they should be prioritized or be
involved in joining process. If serious problems exist, they must be addressed rather than
denied or ignored. Mapp (2003) calls the joining process is a systematic effort to
meaningfully engage all stakeholders in a process characterized by common understanding
and shared decision making.
To ensure success, the development of a plan to correct problems should be the next
step. The involvement of others in the plan's development is essential. Use members of the
school's internal and external publics. Use those "key communicators" to gather and to
disseminate information about what is being done. In Ms. Lopezs school in the School
Snapshot, her staff members will provide each family members with a brochure that explains
speciyfic aspects of the states state system that parent would need or want to know about
such as how to review grade levels and expectations for testing, yearly school report cards and
the importance of attendance.
In order for your school's public relations plan to be truly effective, the community
must have opportunities to respond. Listening to their comments, concerns, and suggestions is
an important step that is not often used effectively.
To support this evolving relationship, every leaders and teachers should play their
major role.
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