Austin, TX— The National School Public Relations Association awarded Austin ISD and its Department of Communications and Community Engagement six awards at a national conference in San Diego this month. “I am proud of the work we’ve been doing to strengthen outreach, improve transparency, better engage with non-English speaking families and have better overall communication with our community,” Alex Sánchez, executive director, said. NSPRA recognized AISD with its: Golden Achievement Award for EducaAustin and Maestro en Casa The Department of Communications and Community Engagement launched the two programs in 2012. EducaAustin is a Spanish radio show focused on education for Spanish speakers and Maestro en Casa is a practical, English-language learning and life skills program for AISD parents. The programs help AISD better communicate with Spanish-speaking parents and engage with the community. Excellent Award in the Electronic Marketing Materials Category for the Bond Video AISD earned an excellent award for its bond video in Spanish and English, which informed Austin voters about the district’s 2013 bond program. Merit Award in the Annual Report Category AISD’s 2012 Annual Report earned the merit award for providing information to families and the community on the district’s finances, while bringing perspective to the numbers within. Merit Award in the Blogs Category Superintendent Meria Carstarphen’s blog won the merit award for sharing regular news about the district through the lens of the AISD leader. Merit Award in the Finance Publication Category AISD earned a merit award for its 2014 Preliminary Budget Report, which provides information about the district’s funding and how AISD allocates funds, to invite feedback before the budget is voted on in August. Honorable Mention in the Videocasting/Videostreaming Category AISD earned an honorable mention for its “Call Me Maybe” video, which the district broadcast as part of its virtual convocation for team members throughout AISD, to highlight the district’s administrative services to encourage for better communication and offer support to staff members. For more information, please contact the Department of Communications and Community Engagement at 414-2414. # # # About the Department of Communications and Community Engagement
The Department of Communications and Community Engagement is the central place for up-to-date information about AISD. Our mission is to build stronger links with employees, parents, families and the community. | 
