Year 2003 Proposed Budget

Nashua School District recognizes the importance of communicating accurate information to maximize school effectiveness. Communication within the organization among students, teachers, and administrators, and communication outside the organization with parents, community, and businesses are vital.

In February 2006 the Nashua BOE approved the position of Director of Community Relations as one response to the recognized need to improve communication. The Nashua BOE decision was based on data.

The SchoolMatch audit, initiated by The Telegraph, recommended in its spring 2004 report that the District consider a communications audit as a means to address communication needs.

Jackson Jackson & Wagner conducted an audit in the fall of 2005 and recommended “systematizing communications.” The audit report listed as a high priority “the management of communications responsibilities to a qualified staff person.”

Noting the high priority of this action step, the BOE action in February incorporated the responsibilities of volunteerism and community relations (a part-time position in the District) into the job description of the Director of Community Relations. This position will be funded through an existing half-time position and the reallocation of existing funds from another service.

Having a Director of Community Relations is critical to the mission of the school district and its educational programs. Volunteers, PTO’s, business partners, the Chamber of Commerce, and a proposed Education Foundation add great value (3 million dollars worth of free service) to the educational programs in our schools. The Director of Community Relations is essential in connecting school, parents, and community.