The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education hopes to improve its communications with parents, students, and stakeholders by contracting with a media consultation firm. Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau presented a proposal from the Donovan Group to school officials during their meeting Monday night. The firm provides a wide range of services for school districts throughout Iowa, and Berlau believes they could be of great benefit to CCSD.
Donovan Group’s services would cost the district $2,500 per month. The district currently does not employ a media specialist or advisor, and Berlau says it would be challenging to fill the position for the amount the school would be paying.
Director of Business Affairs Nicole McCarville says Donovan Group brings the added benefit of translation services for non-English speaking families.
Berlau adds the firm does more than just press releases or crisis communication. They specialize in campaign development for referendums or building initiatives, such as the facility study being conducted districtwide.
The board voted 4-0 in favor of pursuing a contract with Donovan Group at an annual cost to the district of $30,000. A formal agreement is expected to be presented at the school board’s November meeting.
