Tune in for another episode of the Open Insights Podcast! Today, host Zach Vander Veen, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Abre, sits down with Kristyn Cathey, Chief of Communication & Public Relations at Alief ISD. Kristyn shares insights into the successes and challenges her district faces and the vital role communication plays in managing them.
From navigating difficult messages to fostering a strong sense of community, Kristyn offers valuable tips on effective school district communication. Plus, don’t miss an inspiring story to close out the episode—and a delicious dream sponsor you’ll definitely want to hear about.
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To learn more about Abre: https://abre.com/
About the Guest:
Kristyn Cathey is the Chief of Communications for Alief Independent School District (ISD), boasting an impressive track record in educational communications. A native of Port Arthur, Texas, she began her career as the Media Communications Specialist at Port Arthur ISD, navigating significant challenges such as Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic for over 11 years. Her leadership extended to Goose Creek CISD as their Director of Communications, where she led her team to win the Texas School Public Relations Association’s highest award for branding. As of August 2023, Kristyn leads communications at Alief ISD, a district known for its immense cultural diversity.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Open Insights, host Zach Vander Veen sits down with Kristyn Cathey, the Chief of Communications at Alief ISD, to discuss effective communication strategies in education. Kristyn shares her journey from Port Arthur ISD to Alief ISD, highlighting her commitment to advancing communication in diverse educational settings. The conversation unfolds around how her district manages one of the most culturally diverse student bodies, speaking over 109 languages, and how this diversity drives the need for refined communication tactics, community involvement, and innovative engagement strategies.
The discussion delves into the multifaceted communication challenges crisis managers often face concerning cross-cultural communication, budget constraints, and enrollment fluctuations. Kristyn emphasizes the importance of an ADA dashboard and real-time financial tracking systems to keep parents informed and engaged. Furthermore, Kristyn recounts inspiring stories of community-centric initiatives, the necessity of humanizing resources, and how Alief ISD uses liaisons to create a local, personal touch within the schools. Her insights into marketing in educational settings reveal current inefficiencies and emphasize the importance of consistent engagement with stakeholders.
Time Stamps
(00:00 – 01:54) Introduction
(01:55 – 03:53) Successes and Challenges
(03:54 – 09:01) Communication is Key
(09:02 – 12:16) Best Ways to Communicate
(12:17 – 16:51) The Importance of Marketing
(16:52 – 20:49) Communicate Often
(20:50 – 25:05) Kristyn’s Northstar
(25:06 – 26:35) Dream Sponsors
Key Takeaways:
- Community Management: Alief ISD supports over 109 languages, which requires a mindful approach to both community engagement and student support.
- Communication Strategies Amid Challenges: Effective communication involves early and frequent outreach while also addressing how and when messages are delivered for greater impact.
- Importance of Real-Time Data: Alief ISD uses an ADA dashboard to show parents the real-time financial impact of student attendance, helping encourage more consistent attendance.
- Human Resources Communication: Emphasizing the human side of HR can help ease community concerns even amid difficult decisions, such as program closures.
- Collaborative, Inclusive Approach: Utilizing Family and Community Engagement liaisons helps in fostering genuine two-way communication, ensuring the community feels involved and informed.