Communications Academy: The Roadmap to Success

Hosted by the Donovan Group, the Communications Academy is a comprehensive, virtual professional learning experience designed to build and strengthen communication and engagement practices in school systems. The academy features nine recorded online sessions, released monthly from September through April. This allows participants to engage with the content live or later, learn at their own pace, and receive continued support in applying strategies throughout the school year.

$800

Our team doesn’t just teach critical communication practices; we live them. Every strategy, tool, and insight we share is grounded in firsthand experience, giving you practical skills that work in your schools, with your stakeholders, and in your unique leadership role.

Nine Sessions

Section 1: Communications Planning: Building a 5-Year District & Board Strategy

Practical approaches for building a five-year district and board communication roadmap that drives alignment, consistency, and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Section 2: Referendum Communication: Lessons Learned from Recent Elections

Real-world insights, successes, and challenges from recent referendum campaigns to strengthen your approach to referendum communication and community outreach.

Section 3: Superintendent as Lead Communicator: Internal Alignment & External Success

Explore the superintendent’s role as the lead communicator and learn strategies to strengthen internal alignment, build trust, and drive effective external communication.

Section 4: Crisis Communications: 2026 Trends and Planning for 2027

Learn how emerging crisis communication trends can inform stronger planning, faster response, and more effective district communication in 2027.


Section 7: Video & Social Media: Successful Storytelling Strategies

Discover how intentional video and social media storytelling can elevate district communication, build stronger connections, and increase stakeholder engagement.

Section 5: Emerging Trends: AI, Accessibility & Modern Communication Tools

Learn how to thoughtfully integrate AI, accessibility best practices, and modern communication tools to strengthen district communication strategy and reach diverse audiences.

Section 8: Survey Strategy: Brand Reputation & Community Trust

Gain practical strategies for developing and implementing surveys that provide actionable insights to improve communication and strengthen community relationships.

One-On-One Strategy Consultation

Work directly with a Donovan Group partner in a personalized strategy session focused on your district’s priorities, challenges, and opportunities, with clear, actionable communication guidance.

This meeting is scheduled directly with one of our partners.

Section 6: Enrollment Marketing & Family Recruitment

Learn how to attract and retain families by developing intentional enrollment marketing strategies that highlight district strengths and build community trust.


Section 9: Take the Next Step: New Communication Strategies for 2027-2028

Build future-ready communication strategies that prepare your district for the opportunities and challenges of 2027–2028.

Our Courses

We are excited to add more online learning opportunities soon. Please be sure to check back!
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Testimonials

What our learners say

My interactions with the Donovan Group have been exceptional and this service has been incredibly helpful in times of crisis.

While I cannot say that I will look forward to our next engagement during a crisis, it does bring me peace to know that this service is available to the school districts in Delaware.

Ben Wells, Capital School District, Delaware

Thank you for the quick response. We haven't gotten any pushback from the email or social media post. It seems our plan for handling the situation was “just the right amount” of information.

Thank you for this critical service. This is such a comfort to me and I’m sure other directors. 

Sarai Pierce, Sequatchie County Schools,Tennessee