COMMUNICATIONS and Public Affairs

The Communications and Public Affairs Department gathers and provides information on Alameda County Office of Education programs and services to various publics: educators, parents, staff, legislators, governmental agencies, media, community members, boards of education, and students. Our intent is to expand public awareness and increase the use of ACOE programs and services, and thereby improve the quality of teaching and learning in Alameda County.

Media Relations

• Research and write a variety of material such as news releases, press advisories, public service announcements, and background information on educational topics and issues.
• Provide print, radio, Web site and television reporters with information on ACOE programs; respond to questions on news items, and arrange press briefings and interviews.
• Arrange events for media that showcase student and staff achievement and innovative and successful programs.

Public Information

• Provide information to Board of Education members, ACOE staff, educators and community members on issues and trends that could impact ACOE and our school districts and students.
• Direct ACOE staff and public to a variety of demographic, programmatic, and evaluation data, such as enrollment data (CBEDS), socioeconomic data (AFDC/TANF/CalWORKS), test scores, dropout rates, and ethnicity data. Produce the composite calendar of all school districts in Alameda County; a list of private schools; and a list of home schools.

Marketing

• Develop and implement media strategies to publicize ACOE programs and services available to educators, parents, and students to ensure maximum use by the public. This includes the use of television and video, publications, and Web-based information.

Community Building

• Develop partnerships with community agencies and public officials in support of ACOE programs, quality education, and student achievement.
• Provide information, support, and networking opportunities for educators and the community involved in school public relations, as well as hosting meetings, providing sample materials, best practices, and in-service presentations.

Special Events

• Organize special events, such as open house, education fairs, tours of the facility, workshops, and volunteer projects.
• Coordinate major special events honoring distinguished schools and school board members, and the teachers of the year.
• Provide support services for the Alameda County School Boards Association meetings and dinners.

Inquiries

Unique Holland, Assistant to the Superintendent, Strategic Initiatives, Communications Manager

Claudia Medina, Public Information Officer

Alameda County Office of Education
Communications and Public Relations
313 W. Winton Avenue
Hayward, CA 94544-1198
Phone: 510-670-4163 or 670-7754
Fax: 510-670-4146
E-mail: uholland@acoe.org or claudiam@acoe.org