While the district didn’t forget about traditional communications tools, this session was about leveraging the “high tech” approaches. With a few exceptions, the tools they used are actually tried and true at this point in the Internet age, including e-mail, e-newsletters, school websites, and even broadcast voicemails.

However, Anoka-Hennepin has continued to integrate new technology. Parlant’s ParentLink has allowed those automated telephone and e-mail alerts to reach a larger audience of parents cost-effectively. Purchased initially for student absence reporting, it is being used increasingly by principals for emergencies and for weekly news messages.

“We get a lot of positive feedback from parents, particularly for those calls about a crisis,” said Olson. “It goes a long way building that trust and transparency.”

Another innovative approach, an online parent portal, was presented by Assistant Director of Technology Georgia Kedrowski. The A-HConnect portal provides a consistent look and feel to the numerous “best of class” information systems the district has purchased separately. The parent has a universal login, but a seamless experience to data that includes gradeboooks, child nutrition, schedules, and attendance.

Is it working? Olson shared the past five years of survey results which showed significant increases in satisfaction starting in 2004. “We know we have greater community understanding of our schools… There is greater trust and confidence in our schools,” said Olson.

Perhaps if they return to update NSBA at a future conference, the Anoka-Hennepin tool box will even include blogs! That’s another great way to engage the community and the media.

Brian Wheeler
Albemarle County School Board (VA)