The Mount Diablo Unified School District announced this week that Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark has been selected as a “2022 Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).
Dr. Clark joins just 24 other superintendents nationwide who were selected for the honor in recognition of their dynamic leadership and strong communications skills.
“Communication is a high priority,” said Dr. Clark, who assumed leadership of the Contra Costa County school district in September, 2020. “I’ve been committed to improving communications and highlighting all the wonderful things happening in our District.”
The recognition highlights innovative and effective use of technology to engage and inform the school community, and to expand two-way communication and outreach efforts. Since Dr. Clark came to the District, communications have shifted to the ParentSquare platform, which allows for two-way communication via email, a website, text messages and through an app in more than 200 languages. District updates are communicated in a weekly “Friday Letter” newsletter, as well as on the District’s website and on social media. Dr. Clark also meets face to face with parents at District meetings and events.
“This year’s honorees understand just how important effective communication is in building trust and relationships with families, employees, students and community members in their districts,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter. “These emerging leaders have proven to be dedicated champions of innovative communication efforts to advance their district’s success.”
NSPRA had a record number of nominations this year—nearly 60—and many exceptional candidates, making the selection process very competitive. Since the 2015-16 school year, NSPRA has recognized 127 school district leaders as Superintendents to Watch. Honorees had fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent at the time of their nominations and demonstrated dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.
Visit www.nspra.org/superintendents-watch to learn more about this award.
Note:
Each year the National School Public Relations Association recognizes up to 25 superintendents as Superintendents to Watch. Honorees are school district leaders who have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent and who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core. They use communication technology in innovative and effective ways to engage and inform their school communities and to expand two-way communication and outreach efforts.
To be considered for the award, nominees must have:
- Fewer than five years of cumulative experience as a superintendent of schools in a school district/school board system(s) at the time of nomination;
- Implemented a communication program for the district that includes the use of new communication technology as well as more standard communication tools;
- Integrated communication goals and strategies into the district’s strategic plan; and
- Active, visible involvement in the district’s communication effort (e.g., tweets, blogs, participates in face-to-face engagement activities, responsive to media requests, models good communication for staff).
Nominees do not have to be an NSPRA member.
