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  • Tue, January 17, 2023 10:22 PM | Jillian Daley

    Lucky for OSPRA, a communications expert has stepped up to fill a vacant At-Large position on the board. Gregg Koskela, Director of Communications for Cascade School District, now sits in At-Large position 1.

    Although it was only in September 2022 that Koskela joined Cascade, which stands just outside of Salem, he has spent many years in the communications field. Prior to joining Cascade, Koskela spent five years working in a variety of positions at Newberg School District, including Communications Coordinator.

    Yet Koskela wasn't always in communications. He offers a fresh perspective, with a unique background and education for a communicator. He earned a bachelor's in Sociology/Social Work from George Fox University and a M.Div. with an emphasis in communications at Fuller Theological Seminary. Then Koskela spent decades as a pastor, most recently leading a church in Newberg.

    Needing a career change, he was drawn to the mission of public schools to educate and guide young people. He chose to support that mission through sharing positive stories. As a communicator, Koskela loves collaborative relationships, finding simple language that all can understand, and encouraging the hard-working staff of K-12 schools.


  • Fri, December 09, 2022 1:54 PM | Jillian Daley

    OSPRA members have elected OSPRA Board At-Large member Steve Padilla to fill a vacancy in the Vice President seat for the board. 

    Padilla is an experienced OSPRA leader and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Public Relations and Partnerships at Reynolds School District in Fairview. Following this position change, the board is seeking nominations to fill the At-Large vacancy. 

    Future At-Large Members: Add Your Names Here

    Why should you consider becoming an At-Large member? Scientific studies show the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering. That is because there is a great deal to gain: a stronger social network, new skills and career development. (We here on the OSPRA Board also think that we’re pretty fun to be around too.) So, please, join us!

    Submit your interest by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14. 

    Questions? Please contact info@oregonschoolpra.org.



  • Thu, December 01, 2022 12:20 PM | Jillian Daley

    The board announced a vacancy in the Vice President seat for the OSPRA Board and sought nominations last month. Now, in accordance with OSPRA’s bylaws, the board is holding a special election to fill the vacancy. Please follow the directions below to submit your ballot for the 2022 OSPRA Special Election.

    Here are a few tips for successfully completing your ballot:

    • All active communications professional members and superintendent members are eligible to vote in annual elections.

    • Once you open the ballot, complete it. You will not be able to access the ballot again after closing out the ballot window.

    • Each active member can only vote once.

    • All ballot submissions are anonymous.

      Elections will close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.

    Check your email inbox for the ballot link and password!

    Questions? Please contact info@oregonschoolpra.org.

  • Fri, November 18, 2022 12:48 PM | Jillian Daley

    Did you catch the news from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) yesterday? Our very own OSPRA member and Director of Communication and Safety for Bend La-Pine Schools has been named as a 2022-23 NSPRA Front-Runner!

    NSPRA Front-Runners are members identified by the NSPRA Executive Board as emerging leaders who are doing outstanding work for their schools, their chapters, and for NSPRA.

    “Since I began in school public relations in 2015, Julianne Repman has been an inspiration, a source of solid information, a mentor, and the provider of a much-needed laugh when times get tough. Julianne is always there when you need her,” said OSPRA President Natalie Hurd. “Her work and partnership helped elevate me in my district and for that, I am forever grateful and now work to pay it forward.”

    Julianne is a long-time OSPRA member, former OSPRA president, and established school PR leader and we hope you will all join us in celebrating Julianne as a 2022-23 NSPRA Front-Runner!

  • Mon, November 14, 2022 9:31 AM | Jillian Daley

    Did you know that the Instagram algorithm prefers reels over any other form of content?! Find out how to use reels, and watch your engagement skyrocket! Medford School District Communications Specialist and Social Media Expert Danielle Craig will share data on why reels are effective and will offer tips! The presentation is at 11 a.m. Nov. 17 on Zoom. It's free for members, $25 for non-members!

    Register today!



  • Fri, October 28, 2022 12:22 PM | Jillian Daley

    We had a wonderful time at our 2022 Conference! We were impressed with all of the amazing entries this year from our talented OSPRA members!

    Please join the OSPRA Board in congratulating our winners:

    Awards of Merit

    Reynolds SD - Branding & Image

    Clackamas SD – Campaigns

    Willamette ESD – E-Newsletter

    North Clackamas SD – E-Newsletter

    Willamette ESD – Special Purpose 

    North Marion SD – Equity in Communications

    Willamette ESD – Public Speaking

    Reynolds SD – Social Media

    Willamette ESD – Staff Training

    Willamette ESD – Website

    Beaverton SD – Video

    Awards of Excellence

    Willamette ESD - Branding & Image

    Willamette ESD – Campaigns

    Bend La-Pine SD – E-Newsletter

    North Clackamas SD – Special Purpose 

    Reynolds SD – Equity in Communications

    Willamette ESD – Equity in Communications

    Willamette ESD – Public Speaking

    Cascade SD – Social Media

    Willamette ESD – Staff Training

    Grants Pass SD – Website

    Beaverton SD – Video

    Oregon’s Best

    Branding: Beaverton SD, Let’s Be BSD

    Campaigns: Beaverton SD, Fake & Fatal

    E-Newsletter: Willamette ESD, Willamette Career Academy

    Special Purpose: Cascade SD, 2021 Bond Newsletter

    Equity in Communications: WESD, inclusive Language in the Workplace

    Public Speaking: Estacada SD, All in Live

    Social Media: Willamette ESD, Comprehensive Comms Strategy

    Staff Training: Willamette ESD, Inclusive Language in the workplace

    Website: Beaverton SD, Proposed Bond Website

    Video: OSBA, The Promise of Oregon: We needed this

    Districts with Awards in All Categories for Honorable Mention

    Multnomah ESD

    Klamath Falls SD

    Estacada SD

    North Clackamas SD

    Reynolds SD

    Willamette ESD

    Cascade SD

    OSBA

    St Helens SD

    Phoenix Talent SD

    Beaverton SD

    Salem Keizer PS

    Bend La Pine SD

    Multnomah ESD

    Medford SD

    Corvallis SD

    Jefferson County SD

    Grants Pass SD

  • Fri, October 28, 2022 12:11 PM | Jillian Daley

    If you joined us for our GOAT conference in Corvallis this spring, you know that there’s nothing like being with a group of folks who just get it. That’s us! Based on your insights and input, this year, we will be hosting one in-person conference near the Portland area March 9-10, 2023. This allows us to go BIG and gives you plenty of time to mark your calendars to save the date. 


  • Fri, September 17, 2021 3:26 PM | Emily Reverman (Administrator)

    As the last of Oregon schools welcome students back for the 2021-22 school year, the OSPRA board is excited to share our first update of the school year!

    2021-22 Goals & Committees

    As the OSPRA board looks ahead, we are excited to further engage with all Oregon School PR professionals to ensure the best-quality support, guidance, and learning is available to all members. 

    As an organization, the 2021-22 OSPRA board established the following as key goals for sustaining chapter success:

    • Elevating the Profession
    • Supporting Professionals 
    • Leading Equitable and Inclusive Communication Practice

    Operations  
    Committee Chair: Emily Hicks, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
    The operations committee works to maintain chapter success through membership development, mentorship and partnerships with other state and national organizations for the support of Oregon school public relations.

    Professional Development  ‍
    Committee Chair: Natalie Hurd, Medford School District
    The professional development committee maintains chapter success through the development of opportunities for continued professional development of members including virtual and in-person conference opportunities, book clubs, hot topics events and more.

    Finance 
    Committee Chair: Nancy Raskauskas-Coons, Brookings-Harbor School District
    The finance committee supports chapter success through the responsible overview of chapter finances including annual budgeting, sponsorships, scholarships and awards programs.

    Communications 
    Committee Chair: Bettina Bautista, Willamette ESD
    Yes! Even professional communicators need a communications committee! The communications committee supports chapter success through ongoing communication to chapter members and external communication to partner stakeholders, districts, and chapters across the nation. 

    Membership Renewal ✅

    Automatic membership renewal emails were sent to your email on September 1. Please follow the link in your renewal email and log into the website to renew your membership. 

    The board is excited to provide exclusive ways to connect as a PR community this year. We are thrilled to have you here with us!

    Board Position Transition

    We are excited to announce that Nancy Raskauskas-Coons from Brookings-Harbor School District has been appointed as the 2021-22 OSPRA Board Chair of Finance. Please join us in congratulating Nancy as she moves into this new and important role to support OSPRA members!

  • Mon, September 28, 2020 11:56 AM | Emily Reverman (Administrator)

    This year, the Oregon School Public Relations Association (OSPRA) launched it's new member mentorship program. 

    Studies show that employees with mentors are five times more likely to get promoted. Studies have also shown that managerial productivity increased by 88 percent when managers held mentorship roles, versus only 24 percent with manager training alone.

    For mentees, this is an incredible opportunity for you to connect with a regional mentor who can offer you insight, advice, and a partner in problem-solving – and help you navigate the next stage of your career.

    For mentors, this is a great opportunity to give back to the school communications community, become a better leader, and refine your own skills and networks – and to gain a fresh perspective from your mentee.

    Both mentors and mentees offer wisdom and creative partnership to each other. There’s no experience requirement to be a mentor or experience limit to be a mentee, only a time commitment of 1-2 hours of communication per month.

    If you have any questions about the OSPRA mentorship program, please reach out to professional development committee chair Emily Abellera by emailing info@oregonschoolprg.org. 

  • Mon, January 13, 2020 12:50 PM | Emily Reverman (Administrator)


    If you are looking for some assistance to attend the NSPRA Seminar this summer, NSPRA has a number of scholarship opportunities available. Most scholarships require you to be an NSPRA member. You only have until Feb. 1 to submit your application, so check these out today!

    For more information about the Foundation and the eligibility requirements for each scholarship go to the NSPRA Seminar/Foundation Scholarships section of the NSPRA website. The eligibility requirements vary for the scholarships, so be sure to read them carefully.

    The deadline to apply for all Seminar scholarships is Feb. 1, 2020.

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