Communication Office

  • graphic of people talking The Hays CISD Communication Office serves all of the district's communication needs. The office strives to be its own newsroom. Audience members deserve trustworthy information, and they should hear it from Hays CISD first. Many constituents may only know their public school system through the written word – emails, social media posts, or the district’s website. These messages make up a living and breathing voice for the district. 

    cover image of communication department report

    Read the most recent Communication Office overview and annual report:
    Communicating in a Fast Growth School District (January 1, 2019)

Key Department Functions

    • News and Communication – news bulletins, news releases, media relations, parent and emergency communication, publications, graphic design, social media, marquees, district newsletters

    • Customer Service – training, monitoring, support, and employee customer service recognition 

    • Community Relations – education foundation, PTA Council, mentoring program, volunteer program, business partnerships

    • Website/Email System Management – maintenance and design of district website/information, special promotions (icon wall), oversight of campus and teacher webpages, event spotlights, limited HTML programming, management of the district’s Outlook© email system, list-serve management 

    • District Special Events/Projects – Board-appointed citizens’ issues committees, strategic planning, growth impact/bond committees, Hays Education Foundation fundraisers, special projects for Board or district needs 

    • Elections – management of annual School Board elections, single-member-district election redistricting, bond elections

    • Office of Public Information – response to Public Information Act records requests, respond to subpoenas and court orders for district records, FERPA compliance  Submit to: Open.Records@hayscisd.net 

    • District Photography – official photography for district/campuses

    • Stakeholder Engagement – annual parent, community, student, and employee surveys; issue-specific focus groups; crisis-management focus groups; manage Let’s Talk – a two-way community engagement platform; additional surveys as needed

    • Advertising – approval of flyer distribution on campuses, reviewing expansion to other forms of advertising – web, stadium, etc.

    • Interdepartmental Support – special projects, graphic design, general communication, web development, and publications to support other departments and campuses 

    • Support Board of Trustees – assist with general and emergency communication, advise on general protocol, assist with presentations and reports, prepare Board recognition

    • Awards and Recognition – annual service awards, Ambassador Awards employee recognition, monthly recognition at school board meetings, daily Hays High Five recognition, Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, foundation-sponsored Teacher-of-the-Year Awards luncheon

Department Staff

photo of Tim Savoy

Department Guiding Principles

    • Hays CISD belongs to the community and its taxpayers.

    • The community must have confidence in Hays CISD, which is earned through trust, demonstrated results, and accountability.

    • Confidence in Hays CISD is dependent upon the community’s perception.

    • Hays CISD must operate with openness and transparency by providing ready access to accurate information.

    • Hays CISD must be responsive and engaged in the conversation.

    • Hays CISD must communicate with equal vigor whether promoting successes or addressing concerns. 

    • Communication must reach the audience and be understandable. 

    • Communication is customer service.

    • The reputation of Hays CISD affects the lives of its students, staff, and community in direct and significant ways.