Marion City Schools has added a second position to its communication staff and is seeking community input in order to better communicate with parents, city residents and other stakeholders of the district.
The Marion City Schools Board of Education voted in December to hire Kurt D. Moore as a communications coordinator. Moore, who started Jan. 6, will work with school-community relations coordinator Becky Gilliam to inform the public about how the district is working toward accomplishing its goals. He will also take part in efforts to promote education.
Superintendent Gary Barber said survey data and input from staff, community members and the board of education all spoke to the need to improve communications. He said they all pointed to a need to develop a comprehensive plan that involves stakeholders and uses the district’s resources effectively.
“Strong communication connects people and allows them to be more effective in their role in supporting the children of Marion City Schools,” Barber said. “Improving our communication is absolutely essential to the future success of Marion City Schools.”
Barber explained that the district absorbed a position through retirement in order to create the new position.
“I recognize the importance of education in helping the youth achieve a better future as adults,” Moore said. “I am excited to join the Marion City Schools team and promote the positive initiatives geared toward inspiring a community of achievement.”
Moore and Gilliam are forming a communications improvement committee that will include parents, staff, business leaders and representatives of area media. They will talk to the committee about which methods work best when reaching out to the community and also work toward increasing the district’s use of social media and creating new communication initiatives.
Moore has covered the community for nearly 18 years for The Marion Star and has experience freelance writing for numerous online publications, websites and a print magazine. He spent about half of his career at the Star covering education. He has earned awards for writing and recognition by the Ohio School Board Association’s Media Honor Roll for fair and accurate reporting on education. He is also a recipient of the Tri-Rivers Lautenslager Distinguished Service Award and a Rushmore Academy community leader award.
Moore is a board member of the Marion Young Professionals and participates in United Way Value of Education committee meetings.
About Marion Online News
