Strategic Communications & Education Consulting for School Districts

Helping school systems communicate clearly, navigate change, and build cultures where students and staff thrive.


McGowan Impact Consulting partners with school districts, county offices of education, and education-focused nonprofits to strengthen how they communicate, engage, and lead. From day-to-day storytelling to high-stakes decisions, we bring deep K-12 experience, calm leadership, and strategic insight to every conversation.

HOW WE HELP

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Strategic Communications, Public Relations & Marketing

Clear, consistent messaging that builds trust

We help districts create communication systems that are proactive, aligned, and grounded in what matters most: students. Whether you have a communications team or you’re a team of one, we help you plan, write, and implement communications that connect.

  • District-wide communications & PR strategy

  • Brand and messaging development

  • Website, newsletter, and social media content

  • Media relations, press releases, and story pitching

  • Campaigns to support enrollment, bonds, parcel taxes, or new initiatives

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Crisis Communications & Incident Response

Steady, compassionate communication in challenging moments

When something difficult happens—a safety concern, personnel issue, viral social media post, or community controversy—clear, calm communication is essential. We support districts behind the scenes and, when needed, in front of the camera.

  • Crisis communication plans and response protocols

  • Parent and staff messages for sensitive incidents

  • Media statements, Q&A, and talking points

  • Guidance on timing, tone, and channels

  • Support coordinating with legal, HR, and law enforcement partners

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COMMUNITY & PARTNER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

Bridging the gap between schools and communities

Strong relationships with families, community partners, and staff are the foundation of a healthy school system. We design engagement processes that invite people into the conversation—instead of talking at them.

  • Community partner engagement strategies and communication plans

  • Town halls, listening sessions, and focus group design

  • Surveys and feedback tools for families, students, and staff

  • Communications to support school consolidation, facilities changes, and other major decisions

  • Support for education foundations and community partners

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Strategic Planning & Facilitation for Education Leaders

Aligning vision, communications, and action

We work with superintendents, Cabinet, boards, and leadership teams to clarify priorities and build plans that people can actually execute—and communicate.

  • Strategic planning and initiative roadmapping

  • Board and Cabinet retreats and meeting facilitation

  • LCAP- and goal-aligned communication priorities

  • Implementation support and accountability check-ins

  • Integration of communications and engagement into every major initiative

Group of diverse students sitting on outdoor stairs, smiling and holding books and tablets, representing school and district culture assessment.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE & CHANGE COMMUNICaTIONS

Building environments where students and staff feel seen and supported

Culture and communication are deeply connected. We help districts understand what’s really happening in their schools and then communicate and act in ways that build belonging, clarity, and trust.

  • School and district culture assessments

  • Staff and student feedback processes

  • Action planning support for culture and climate improvements

  • Internal communication strategies for major changes

  • Coaching for leaders on messaging and meeting facilitation

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES

Trusted by School Districts & Education Leaders since 2009

Center Joint Unified School District logo with a bell inside a blue letter C and EST. 1858.
Robla School District logo featuring a blue and yellow tree and the words 'Robla School District' with the motto 'Strong Community, Strong Schools, Strong Family' underneath.
Orange County Department of Education seal with a blue bell and a book.
Redwood City School District logo featuring a tree inside an oval with the text 'EST. 1895 REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT'.
Murrieta Valley Unified School District logo with a tree inside a circle and district name below.
Sonora Union High School District logo with building graphic and text.
Evergreen School District logo with three pine trees, district name, and establishment year, in green text.
Logo of Sacramento County Office of Education with the acronym 'SCOE' in blue, a yellow star connected by a swooping yellow line, and the words 'Sacramento County Office of Education' and 'Education Empowers' underneath.
Logo of New Haven Unified School District, featuring a stylized light bulb with a cityscape and tree inside, and the text 'New Haven Unified School District'.
Logo of Washington Unified School District West Sacramento featuring a stylized depiction of a school building and a cityscape in blue, white, and red.
Seal of Folsom Cordova Unified School District featuring a tree, a mountain, and a river
Logo of Oroville Union High School District showing a sun, a field, a creek, and a green space with the district name and established year 1983.
Logo of Napa County Office of Education with colorful overlapping squares and text.
Logo of Mill Valley School District featuring three green trees above an open book.
Logo of Sunnyvale School District featuring a stylized blue and green plant or flower with the district name next to it.
Logo for Santa Rosa City Schools with a stylized tree and mountain design in purple and gold.
Santa Clara Unified School District logo with three stylized human figures in blue.
Jamestown School District logo with a large tree above the name
West Covina Unified School District logo with a shield featuring a lamp, open book, apple, and winged shoe.
Saratoga Union School District logo with a stylized tree inside a circle.

Schedule A CONSULTATION

 Let’s work together to strengthen your district’s communications and impact.

Thank you for your interest in McGowan Impact Consulting! I partner with school districts and education organizations to plan and communicate initiatives that drive meaningful, sustainable change.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen district communications, navigate a sensitive issue, or improve school culture and engagement, I’d love to connect and explore how I can support your goals.

Schedule a Consultation

Select the link above book a time that works for you.

What to Expect From Our Conversation:

✔ A brief discussion about your district’s current priorities and challenges
✔ Clear examples of how McGowan Impact Consulting can support your team
✔ Potential next steps and options for working together

If you don’t see a time that works, feel free to reach out directly at heather@mcgowanimpact.com.

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PROVEN IMPACT

Turning Vision Into Meaningful Change

At McGowan Impact Consulting, we help districts move from reactive communication to intentional, aligned strategies that support students and staff. From complex change processes to everyday storytelling, we bring a blend of K-12 experience, strategic communications, and facilitation skills to every partnership.

See how we’ve supported districts with communications, crisis response, community engagement, and culture-building.

Explore success stories
Mentor giving a high-five to a smiling student outside a school building, symbolizing positive impact and student success.