The Bluewater District School Board has adopted a draft communications policy that is designed to improve how the board connects with parents and the community.
The policy is one of the recommendations from the report by Ross Parry — one of the advisors brought in to help guide the board through controversy earlier this year over accountability and transparency.
The policy recommends trustee newsletters be distributed to residents three times a year.
The board website has also been revamped to improve communication.
In addition, Communications Director Richard Thomas’ plan features 12 other proposals for better communication.
One of them is webcasting board meetings which will begin in 2010, developing a Communications Advisory Committee, and making use of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to get information out.
Another recommendation is to have a video version of the Director’s annual report, and a promotional video for the board.
Board Chair Jennifer Yenssen says the plan is ambitious, and notes Thomas has his work cut out for him implementing the measures.
Yenssen says the plan was adopted in draft form because it will be discussed by the yet to be formed advisory committee.
She notes the intent is to involve all stakeholders, and not have a communications policy the board develops by acting on its own.
Yenssen says a number of presentations are regularly made to the board about various programs and activities like the Specialist High Skills Major which could be featured on YouTube or through other online media.