HOW WE HELP
At McGowan Impact Consulting, we partner with school districts, county offices of education, and education-focused nonprofits to strengthen how they communicate, engage, and lead. Whether you’re navigating a challenging moment, rolling out a major initiative, or simply trying to keep up with day-to-day communications, we help you build clear, trusted systems that support students, staff, and families.
Telling your district’s story with clarity and consistency
Too many districts are doing incredible work that families and communities rarely see—or only hear about when something goes wrong. We help you build communications that are proactive, aligned, and grounded in your district’s values and priorities.
What this can include:
✔ District-wide communications and PR strategy
✔ Brand and messaging development (vision, values, and key messages)
✔ Content strategy and writing for websites, newsletters, and social media
✔ Media relations, press releases, story pitching, and media coaching
✔ Campaigns to support enrollment, bonds, parcel taxes, and new initiatives
✔ Editorial calendars and workflows that your team can sustain
Ideal for: Superintendents, communication directors, district leaders, and education foundations seeking a stronger, more coordinated communications approach.
Strategic Communications, PR & Marketing
Crisis Communications & Incident Response
Clear, calm communication when it matters most
In moments of crisis or controversy, how you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. We help districts prepare for and respond to incidents in ways that are steady, compassionate, and focused on student safety and well-being.
What this can include:
✔ Crisis communication plans and response protocols
✔ Message development for safety concerns, personnel matters, investigations, and community incidents
✔ Parent and staff notifications, FAQ documents, and website updates
✔ Media statements, Q&A documents, and talking points for leadership and board members
✔ Social media monitoring and guidance on when—and how—to respond
✔ Coaching for leaders on tone, transparency, and follow-up communications
Ideal for: Superintendents, HR and student services leaders, and communication teams navigating high-profile or sensitive situations.
Community & Partner engagement strategy
Aligning culture, communication, and action
School and district culture show up in both behavior and communication. We help leaders understand current perceptions, identify strengths and opportunities, and craft communication and action plans that support the culture they want to build.
What this can include:
✔ School and district culture/climate assessments and feedback tools
✔ Analysis of staff and student feedback with clear, accessible summaries
✔ Culture and climate communication plans for leaders and sites
✔ Internal messaging and meeting frameworks that reinforce shared expectations
✔ Coaching and facilitation for leadership teams during change processes
Ideal for: Superintendents, HR and equity teams, principals, and leadership teams working to strengthen staff morale, belonging, and clarity.
School & District Culture & Change Communications
Creating meaningful, two-way communication
Families, students, staff, and community partners are essential voices in any decision. We help you design engagement processes that are transparent, inclusive, and realistic for your team to manage.
What this can include:
✔ Engagement and communication strategies for major initiatives (e.g., school consolidation, boundary changes, facilities planning, instructional shifts)
✔ Design and facilitation of town halls, listening sessions, and focus groups
✔ Surveys for families, staff, and students—including communications to drive participation
✔ Tools and templates for ongoing feedback and follow-up
✔ Support for education foundations and community-based partners
Ideal for: Districts facing big decisions or multi-year initiatives that require strong communication and trust-building with their communities.
Strategic Planning & Facilitation for Education Leaders
From ideas to aligned, actionable plans
trong plans don’t live in binders—they live in the daily decisions of leaders, staff, and board members. We support districts in building practical, communication-centered plans that people can understand and actually use.
What this can include:
✔ Strategic planning aligned with district goals, LCAP, and board priorities
✔Board and Cabinet retreats and facilitated planning sessions
✔ Initiative roadmaps that integrate communications and engagement
✔ Simple tools to track progress and adjust as conditions change
✔ Thought partnership for superintendents and executive leaders
Ideal for: Superintendents, Cabinet, boards, and executive leaders who are ready to clarify direction and ensure communication and engagement are built into their strategy.
Contact us
Let’s Work Together to Strengthen Your Communications and Impact
Whether you’re looking to build a more proactive communications system, navigate a difficult situation, or engage your community around a major decision, McGowan Impact Consulting is here to help.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form to the right or reach out directly. Let’s start a conversation about what support would be most helpful for your team.
📧 Email: heather@mcgowanimpact.com
📞 Phone: 916.673.8868
Schedule a consultation today!