Register for the Academy here!

Build Stronger Communication. Strengthen Community Trust.

Effective communication is one of a school district's most powerful leadership tools.

The 2026–2027 Communications Academy: The Roadmap to Success is a nine-session professional learning series designed to help superintendents, district leaders, communications professionals, and support staff strengthen communication strategy, build stakeholder trust, and confidently navigate today's rapidly changing communications landscape.

Featuring expert-led instruction from The Donovan Group, experienced education leaders, and invited specialists, the Academy combines practical learning with personalized support to help participants immediately apply new ideas within their districts.

Whether you're responsible for district leadership, community engagement, marketing, or communications, you'll leave with practical tools, actionable strategies, and renewed confidence to communicate clearly, consistently, and strategically.

Program at a Glance

• 9 live virtual sessions led by communication experts and experienced education leaders
• One-on-one strategy consultation with a Donovan Group partner
• Full on-demand access to recordings and course materials
• Rolling registration throughout the series
• Access to all course materials through September 2028

Bring Your District Team

Communication is most effective when leadership teams are aligned.

Superintendents are encouraged to attend alongside their district communications professional or another staff member who supports communications, community engagement, marketing, or public relations. Participating together helps districts develop shared strategies, strengthen internal alignment, and more effectively implement new communication practices.

Who Should Attend?

• Superintendents
• Assistant and Associate Superintendents
• District Communications Professionals
• Community Engagement Staff
• Marketing and Enrollment Staff
• Executive Cabinet Members
• Administrative Leaders responsible for district communication

What You'll Learn

Throughout the Academy, participants will learn how to:

• Develop a long-term communication strategy that aligns messaging with district priorities.
• Strengthen communication during crises, referendums, enrollment initiatives, and organizational change.
• Build trust through clear, consistent leadership communication.
• Leverage AI, accessibility best practices, storytelling, social media, and survey data to improve engagement.
• Translate learning into action through a personalized one-on-one strategy consultation.

What Your Registration Includes

Your registration provides access to:

• Nine live, expert-led learning sessions
• Full access to all session recordings
• Downloadable resources and practical communication tools
• A personalized one-on-one strategy consultation with a Donovan Group partner
• On-demand access to all course materials through September 2028

If you join after the Academy begins, you'll receive immediate access to all previous recordings and materials, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

2026–2027 Course Schedule

Sessions meet live on the following Wednesdays at 1:00 pm CST:

September 9, 2026

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

Build a practical roadmap that aligns district and board communication while creating consistent, proactive stakeholder engagement.

October 7, 2026

Referendum Communication: Lessons Learned from Recent Elections

Explore real-world successes and lessons learned from recent referendum campaigns to strengthen community communication and outreach.

November 4, 2026

Superintendent as Lead Communicator: Internal Alignment & External Success

Learn how leadership communication strengthens organizational culture, builds trust, and supports successful district initiatives.

December 2, 2026

Crisis Communications: 2026 Trends and Planning for 2027

Prepare your district with practical crisis communication strategies informed by today's emerging challenges and best practices.

January 6, 2027

Emerging Trends: AI, Accessibility & Modern Communication Tools

Discover practical ways to incorporate artificial intelligence, accessibility, and modern communication tools into your district's communication strategy.

January 27, 2027

Enrollment Marketing & Family Recruitment

Learn communication and marketing strategies that help attract, engage, and retain families while showcasing your district's strengths.

February 10, 2027

Video & Social Media: Successful Storytelling Strategies

Explore effective storytelling techniques that increase engagement and strengthen your district's connection with students, families, staff, and the community.

March 10, 2027

Survey Strategy: Brand Reputation & Community Trust

Develop surveys that generate meaningful feedback, strengthen relationships, and inform future communication decisions.

April 7, 2027

Take the Next Step: New Communication Strategies for 2027–2028

Bring everything together by building a forward-looking communication plan for the upcoming school year.

Personalized Strategy Consultation

Every participant will receive a one-on-one strategy consultation with a Donovan Group partner.

This personalized conversation focuses on your district's unique priorities, opportunities, and communication challenges, providing practical guidance and actionable recommendations you can immediately implement.

Consultations are scheduled directly with a Donovan Group partner at a time that works best for you.

Registration

MASA Members: $650

Non-Member Attending with an MASA Member: $550

Non-Members Attending without an MASA Member: $750

Registration remains open throughout the Academy. Participants who register after the series begins receive access to all previous session recordings and course materials, ensuring they never miss valuable content.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

CEUs have been requested from the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA). Participants must attend the sessions synchronously to be eligible for CEUs.

Ready to Build Your District's Communication Roadmap?

Join education leaders from across Minnesota for practical learning, expert guidance, and proven communication strategies that will strengthen leadership, improve stakeholder engagement, and build lasting community trust.

Register today for the 2026–2027 Communications Academy: The Roadmap to Success.

READY TO JOIN? CLICK HERE!