• PenSPRA believes that community support for education is best achieved through systematic, proactive communications programs that promote student achievement and excellence in schools.
• PenSPRA recognizes the communications professional as a leader within the educational community.
• PenSPRA prepares members to identify and proactively address issues that impact education.
• PenSPRA benefits form strong cooperative relationships with other professional organizations.
• PenSPRA supports the goals and objectives of the National School Public Relations Association.

We will develop and support a wide range of activities, including programs, recognitions, awards, workshops, and special events to highlight the value and enhance the profession of school communications.

We will plan and implement ongoing programs to orient and educate members. These programs will be based on membership needs assessments.

We will continue to develop networks with other organizations, with a common goal to enhance school and community partnerships.

We will advocate school programs that enhance communication and encourage parent and community involvement.

We will initiate programs and services geared to acclimating new professionals in areas of education and communications.

Speakers BureauTo raise awareness of the organization throughout the state.

• We will develop a presentation that introduces the organization, explains what Public Relations is, and discusses how to accomplish it. Supporting handouts, including the PenSPRA Job Description Booklet, will accompany the PowerPoint presentation.
• We will find at least one member in every Intermediate Unit who is willing to make these presentations throughout their IU. The presentations will be geared to superintendents, board members, Intermediate Units, and individual school districts.

Professional Registration Program
To enhance the credibility of communications professionals as those committed to high quality communications activities within the education arena and to increase the skill level of members.

• A Professional Registration Program will be developed for PenSPRA members to improve skills, increase awareness, and enhance credibility of communications professionals working in the field of education.
• A curriculum will be developed to train professionals and those new to school Public Relations. Courses and course materials will be standardized.
• Four courses will be offered every year. To earn PenSPRA Professional Accreditations, all courses must be completed within a two-year period.

Job Description Booklet
To increase awareness of PenSPRA, raise the educational value of high quality communications, and continue to encourage school districts to hire qualified professionals.

• The committee will revise and reprint the PenSPRA Job Description Booklet.

Implement Program Plans (West, Central, & East)
To provide programs for members and others in education or education related fields that adhere to the mission, beliefs, and strategic plan of PenSPRA. Also, to utilize the resources of other professional organizations to expand the knowledge and skills of our members.

• Program chairs, along with a committee, will implement program plans that adhere to the mission and beliefs of PenSPRA.
• Program chairs will form localized member networks which inform, educate, and encourage professional development opportunities and participation in PenSPRA.

State Meeting
To offer development opportunities and planning time, to present incoming officers to the membership, and to recognize accomplishments of the organization, its members, and others who have contributed to quality school/community relations.

• This annual meeting will be held in the spring. The by-laws ensure that officers are elected prior to the annual conference.

New Member Orientation Program
To introduce members to PenSPRA and NSPRA and their services, to provide background on basic precepts of school community relations, to involve new members in the life of PenSPRA and its national organization.

• Work in conjunction with the New Membership Services to make an orientation program for those new to School PR.

Survey
To determine continuing development needs of widely experienced members with an annual survey.

• A survey will be developed to determine the profile of the organization.
• An evaluation will also be developed to determine the effectiveness of the annual State Meeting.

Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
To continue to improve and expand the partnership between PenSPRA and PASBO.

• Explore ways to increase the visibility and highlight the accomplishments of the partnership.
• Develop a PASBO Liaison position to continue to improve and expand the partnership.
• Explore the idea of PenSPRA holding communications seminars in conjunction with PASBO.

Pennsylvania School Boards Association
To continue to improve and expand the partnership with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

• Annually, host two communications sessions in conjunction with PSBA.
• Develop cooperative projects which will describe, enhance, and improve communications within school districts.
• Expand the number of PenSPRA sessions given at the PSBA/PASA annual conference.

Other Educational Groups
To increase the awareness of PenSPRA, the educational value of high-quality communications, and continue to emphasize that PenSPRA members are well-qualified professionals.

• To continue to make contacts with other organizations in the educational arena.
• Mail an annual letter encouraging educational organizations to use PenSPRA resources - for help with communications programs.

National School Public Relations Association
To determine continuing development needs of widely experienced members with an annual survey.

• Continue working with the National School Public Relations Association to enhance and increase the skills of PenSPRA members.

Parent Groups
To extend professional communications services to parent groups working within the school districts or Intermediate Units.

• Encourage PenSPRA members to help PTA/PTO and other parent groups working in the school district with communications issues.
• Explore additional ways in which PenSPRA members can work with/help parent groups.
• Develop programs where members can teach communications skills to parent groups and keep in reference library.

Community Groups/Businesses
To provide development opportunities for members of PenSPRA to work with community groups and businesses to highlight education and build partnerships.

• Explore ideas for districts and Intermediate Units to join with community groups and area businesses to highlight educational achievements and build further partnerships.
• Encourage all members of PenSPRA to join with organizations such as local Rotary and Business affiliations to further partnerships.

Annual Publications Contest
To continue to recognize and encourage good communications efforts by volunteers or employees who are not professional school communications specialists.

• Review the areas in the publications contest that are applicable to non-communications professionals. Add and modify those awards deem necessary.
• Continue to explore new areas to highlight communications efforts of non-professionals.

Develop Comprehensive Campaign to Heighten Awareness for School/Community Relations
To build awareness for the importance of high quality communications as a management tool and to establish PenSPRA and its members as committed high quality professionals.