Agenda Item
a. Strategic Plan Update Goal Area 2: School, Family, and Community Engagement ~ Updated 1.8.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Dr. Kelmit Belcher, Interim Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Strategic Plan Update
Goal Area 2: School, Family, and
Community Engagement
January 13, 2025
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Implementation Chart - Goal Area 2
Goal Area 2: School, Family, and Community Engagement Implementation Years
Performance Objectives 2024- 2025- 2026- 2027- 2028-
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
2.1: Strengthen family, school, and community engagement to establish clear, accessible, I I R R R
and relevant communication tailored to meet stakeholders’ preferences.
2.2: Create opportunities for collaboration between the district, families, community P I R R R
partners, and businesses to foster partnerships to support district-wide initiatives.
2.3: Improve communication processes for stakeholders to ensure the flow of clear, timely, P I R R R
and relevant information.
2.4: Establish clear communication channels to effectively engage with multilingual families I I R R R
and provide equitable access to district and school information.
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2.1: Strengthen family, school, and community engagement
to establish clear, accessible, and relevant communication
tailored to meet stakeholders’ preferences.
● Completed the Communications Audit with the National School Public Relations
Association
● Hosted numerous community and family engagement opportunities, such as the Back-to-
School Rally, Safety Fair, Holiday Healing and Food Giveaway, and Computer Literacy
Workshops (with free computers)
● Held Superintendent Advisory Meetings – Parent, Bilingual Parent, Exceptional Education,
and Staff
● Total number of students enrolled in Adult Education: 368 (increased ESL from 91 to 116)
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2.2: Create opportunities for collaboration between the
district, families, community partners, and businesses to
foster partnerships to support district-wide initiatives.
● Hosted Parent Cafes (bullying, social emotional learning, wellness, and attendance)
● Engaged and educated families at Read and Rise DeKalb and Book Buddies (virtual reading
support)
● Held S.O.S. event; planned 2025 calendar of events
● Held the School Choice Expo and launched the Student Assignment Project (SAP)
● Secured 47 grants and donations this fall
● Current partnerships between schools – 214 and district - 211
● Received the 1st donation ($50,000) for the DeKalb Educational Foundation, Inc.
● Launched new messaging: #TheDeKalbDifference, #BeDeKalb (Recruitment), and
#DeKalbMade (Alumni)
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2:3 Improve communication processes for stakeholders to
ensure the flow of clear, timely, and relevant information.
● Conducted Nine Town Hall Meetings
● Held parent/guardian engagement meetings at Cross Keys, Druid Hills, and Idlewood
● Added Bluesky social media account
● Updating current District webpage content; new platform and design forthcoming
● Redesigned Hitting the Road with Horton (district enewsletter)
● Launching new Board of Education enewsletter in January
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2:4 Establish clear communication channels to effectively
engage with multilingual families and provide equitable
access to district and school information.
● Hosted numerous community and family engagement opportunities, such as the Hispanic
Heritage Fiesta and Unity Fest
● Translators present at district parent/guardian engagement events and programs
● Expanded the Fambassador program
● Implemented district COMS standards – English and Spanish translations
● Published four editions of Te Escucha!
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February 2025!
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop, and Retain Talent
with Tasha Davis Mills and Eric Hilton
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