cgcs pr executive conference july 8-10, 2011 “how to make the district website more effective?”...
TRANSCRIPT
CGCS PR Executive ConferenceJuly 8-10, 2011
“How to Make the District Website More Effective?”
Valerie MerrittDirector of
CommunicationsThe Newark Public
SchoolsJuly 9, 2011
History of the NPS Website
The Newark Public Schools’ first webpage was created in 1996 by a group of computer teachers.
Over the past 15 years, various improvements and modifications were implemented, with modest results.
www.old.nps.k12.nj.us
“Creating a more effective website.”
The Challenge Assess the effectiveness of the current website. Redesign the district’s website so that it is more
appealing to parents and other end users. Create a website that is user-friendly. Make the content informative and relevant. Make it easy to navigate with links to other
resources. Promote the website as an important resource
for the school community.
Here’s How Communicate with the audience you are trying to reach and find out what they really want to know.
Regularly ask parents and other stakeholders what they like and dislike about the district’s website and what information will be helpful to them?
Tap into internal talents – I.T. professionals, graphic designers, writers, and the like.
Create partnerships inter-departmentally – i.e., Facilities, Human Resources, Administration, Academic Services, etc. Also externally – i.e., city services, health care, social services, universities and colleges, etc.
And if possible, procure a vendor who is an expert in website design.
NPS & SchoolWires: Perfect Together
New and Improvedwww.nps.k12.nj.us
Information that can be accessed “quickly”
District Office Information 2011 Summer Programs 2011-2012 School Calendar Common Core State Standards Food Services: MealPayPlus Preschool Registration New Schools / Changes News Releases Educational Resources and Opportunities Employment Opportunities
Measuring Effectiveness
When improving your websites’ effectiveness:
Consider the specific needs of your primary audience.
Make information easily accessible (keep it simple).
Be sure your site is visually pleasing. Content is critical – timely, accurate, and
relevant. Your homepage should provide appropriate links
to usable resources, with language translation.
Thank you
Q & A