National Organization recognizes superintendent for making communications a top priority
June 7, 2021
The National School Public Relations Association has awarded Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Baron R. Davis the 2021 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award. NSPRA and Intrado, the award sponsor, will present him with the award during the second General Session of the NSPRA 2021 National Seminar on Tuesday, July 13, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Since beginning his tenure as superintendent in 2017, Dr. Davis has been on a mission to dismantle systems of inequity and inequality in public education. He has made strides to close the equity, inclusion and knowledge gap in Richland Two, the state’s fifth largest district, and across the country. Davis ensured that the work of his communications and strategic partnerships department was incorporated in the district’s strategic plan, which has an ambitious and attainable goal for all partners to seek ways to help students excel in their chosen pathways and to promote effective two-way communication.
“Dr. Davis understands the importance of communicating well and often. His team of communication professionals helps him deliver honest, impactful messages across a variety of mediums,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR.
To enhance two way communications and streamline operations district wide, Dr. Davis has added tools such as “Let’s Talk!” to organize online inquiries from parents and community members, and Happeo, an intranet system for the district’s 3,770 employees.
Students, families and the community also are invited to share their stories with the district through social media using the hashtag #PremierStartsHere. Each post shares an experience that cultivates premier students and instills a strong culture within the district.
“Good internal and external communication are essential in any school district but particularly one of this size. The easier we make it for our partners to be heard and for us to be responsive to their needs, the better it is for everyone,” said Dr. Davis. “I am humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire Richland Two family.”
The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award is given annually to a practicing superintendent or CEO of a school district, education agency or service center in recognition of outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. This award is given in memory of Robert L. Grossman, ASPR, an NSPRA past president who believed that the support and commitment of top education leaders is vital to successful school communication.
Dr. Davis is the first superintendent in South Carolina to win the Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award.
