Category: Uncategorized

At ExcellenceK12, all our staff members have kids or grandkids in public schools, so we understand what parents are going through during this pandemic. Even in the best of circumstances, it has been challenging. From our observations and communications with peers in many markets, districts seem to be making every effort to provide excellent education…
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Last fall, when the Brentwood School District received its pre-election survey results from ExcellenceK12, district leaders thought they knew what direction they would be heading for the April 2020 bond election. The survey was intended to determine what to do with Brentwood’s two elementary schools – McGrath and Mark Twain – whose average age was…
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At ExcellenceK12, we have a habit of listening in on what’s happening with our school district clients by monitoring social media in various markets, following news stories and getting direct feedback from clients and friends. What we are hearing lately is jarring – a lot of negative patron “noise.” Much of the noise is coming…
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We’re going to go out on a limb and assume nobody has asked you that question today – or ever. Managing perception is probably not one of the classes you took when getting your degree(s) in education. Things are changing every day in this brave new world of 2020. This fall, as your schools open,…
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Friends and neighbors are talking about your school district’s fall reentry plans. Do you have a pulse on what they are saying? We know from conducting hundreds of research studies for school districts that “friends and neighbors” is the number one source patrons turn to for district news. Those same studies tell us Facebook is…
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At least once a week, while walking his dog, Lacy, Dr. Desi Kirchhofer, superintendent, reaches out through a video message to the “Lion Nation” of the Northwest School District in House Springs, Mo., to send out positive messages – and to simply connect with his patrons – during the COVID-19 crisis. The videos – which…
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In this time of uncertainty, some of the most vulnerable are our children and their families. How you respond to and communicate with them about Covid-19 – and the steps you are taking to ensure their education continues – will leave a lasting impression. Your school district is looking to you, district leaders, for clarity…
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In a crisis situation, like the one everyone is experiencing with Covid-19, things can change at the drop of a hat. As district leaders, you are the ones everyone depends on to motivate them to stay positive and feel safe. Getting immediate feedback from your stakeholders about how you are responding to this crisis helps…
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When we ask school districts about their strategic planning efforts, we hear a number of responses – some of which are not very encouraging – such as: I looked for a strategic plan when I became superintendent and found the last one was done 11 years ago.   Our BOE is still mad because the last…
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Every day, week and month, your patrons’ inboxes are inundated with customer surveys. From your local pharmacy to retail stores to restaurants to your local municipality, there isn’t an organization (or business) that is not seeking their feedback. And you don’t want your patron survey to just add to the “clutter” – and their survey…
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