There are great things happening in your schools. We help you tell the story.
Learn how we can help you engage your stakeholders, increase transparency and compete in an increasingly complex public education world.
Your School Communications Partner
A Full-Service Approach
The Donovan Group focuses exclusively on education, delivering school district communications services that help you reach your marketing, public relations and stakeholder engagement goals. We leverage our expertise in communications and apply it to K-12 schools and districts.
Education is our Passion
We’ve become a national leader in school district communications by staying on top of emerging best practices. We come from an educational background and are well-versed in state and federal policy, changes in teaching and learning and new forms of competition.
Proud Partners
You gain access to school district communications services that include everything from consulting and coaching to high-quality deliverables. Our clients are large, urban districts and small, one-building rural schools. We also deliver communications and consulting services to state and national associations.
Communication Resources for Schools at a Time of COVID-19 & Beyond
Services Tailored to Your School or District
Communications Planning
Working with you, your team and your stakeholders, we develop a cohesive communications plan that guides your efforts well into the future. This includes identifying stakeholders, creating messages and formulating a clear monthly roadmap.
Referendum Assistance
We believe that a successful referendum or bond measure is one that both passes and fosters a greater sense of trust between a school district and its community. We assist with all facets of a referendum effort, from defining needs through election day.
Surveys
Through surveys, you can gain valuable data and feedback from your staff, parents, students and community members. We provide surveys to establish baseline data, seek residents’ input in advance of a referendum and help guide our planning efforts.
Video Services
Video is an increasingly effective way to reach your stakeholders, especially through digital media. We storyboard, film, edit and produce professional videos on virtually any subject relevant to your school or district.
Crisis Communication
When a crisis situation hits, you must communicate in a clear, accurate and timely manner. We are available 24/7 to take action, helping you gather facts, reach your most critical stakeholders and respond to media inquiries quickly and effectively.
Communication Support
We give you the back-end communications assistance you need via content creation, web and graphic design, copyediting, surveys, reports and more. We advise you on how you can best tell your school or district’s story each day.
Media Relations & Training
We understand how the news media works. (In fact, several of us are former journalists.) We help you and your team prepare for media interviews, while offering professional development on how you can work with reporters to advance your narrative.
Content Creation
Our highly skilled education writers and editors create exceptional content tailored to your stakeholders and key messages. We write articles, news releases, web copy, reports, parent letters, brochure copy and more. You can also turn to us for proofing and editing.
Web & Graphic Design
We staff several talented graphic designers who take your branding and create crisp, attention-grabbing brochures, reports, mailers, postcards and more. We also assist with rebranding efforts, logo creation and web design.
#SchoolPR Insights
Key Education Dates, Events and Celebrations Throughout the Year
For any school leader, administrator or communication professional, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the holidays, holidays, events, appreciation days, weekly celebrations and other occasions that take place throughout the year. To help make this a little...
DOE: Districts May Apply ESSER Funds to Communication Efforts
While the article below applies to most states, we understand that there is less clarity on the availability and application of ESSER funds in others. This is the case in our home state of Wisconsin, where federal funding is currently at risk due to the actions of the...
Communication Tools Every Principal Can Use
This article was originally published by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. When it comes to school communication, we often refer to the use of various tools. In fact, we often refer to an "invisible" toolbox that educational leaders use to...
Getting into a Rhythm with Your Social Media Content
If you're in charge of your school or school district's social media content, you've likely run into a familiar problem. It can be difficult to get into a rhythm to consistently use social media to effectively tell your district's story. For one, it's tough to find...
Alternative Graduation Ideas to Celebrate the Class of 2021
Last spring, we covered creative ideas to celebrate graduating seniors at a time when nearly all schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many schools and districts have now returned to full in-person instruction, others continue to use hybrid models or...
How Does a School Communication Audit Work?
Before creating a communication plan, we often recommend that schools and districts conduct a communication audit. In many ways, an audit sets the stage for more meaningful communication planning. Through a communication audit, you can gain a better understanding of...
Contact Us to Get Started
Do you need immediate assistance? Call us at 800-317-7147.