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Management Services

Communications & Public Relations

Mission and Vision

Vision: To engage the community to support our students and schools

Mission: To cultivate positive relationships, facilitate open communication, and collaborate with professionals who champion student and school success. We strive to keep the community well-informed and shine a light on student and staff accomplishments through high-quality, creative, and effective communication.

Who we are

BOCES Communication and Public Relations
The Office of Communications & Public Relations is comprised of award-winning communications professionals, writers, videographers, and graphic designers who provide a wide range of services to school districts throughout the Broome-Tioga BOCES region and neighboring counties. Our team helps school leaders build trust and credibility with their stakeholders through a planned and strategic program of two-way communication aligned with district goals and priorities. 
 
Because every school district is different, we plan and implement customized communications programs and development strategies and assist with a wide range of special projects to fit each district’s needs and budget.

What we offer

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  • Community engagement and facilitation
  • Communications planning aligned with district goals
  • Communication Audits
  • Crisis communications
  • Budget and capital project communications
  • Branding and graphic standards development
  • Digital content strategy and support
  • Publications 
  • Event support and planning 
  • Media relations
  • Media training
  • Collaborative responses to “hot-button” issues
  • Social media expertise
  • Surveys and data analysis
  • Video production
  • Website content management
  • Promotional displays and campaigns
  • Writing, design, and photography
 

Our team

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Our staff is comprised of a team of skilled communications experts, including graphic designers, web content managers, journalists, media relations specialists, and videographers. Our professionals work in a variety of settings, including district-based offices as well as in a remote capacity from our main campus in Binghamton.

Our service has been recognized for outstanding achievement in educational communications by organizations such as the New York School Public Relations Association, Communications Association of the Southern Tier, and the New York State School Boards Association.

Media Relations and Requests

MEDIA GUIDELINES

  • BOCES recognizes the important role the media plays in the community, especially in reporting about educational programs, services, students, and employees. However, BOCES is dedicated to providing all students with a safe learning environment without unnecessary interruptions.

    Therefore, the following guidelines for the media are in effect at all district campuses and facilities:

    VISITING A CAMPUS

    Anytime a member of the media is on district property, the Public Information Coordinator or a designee will serve as an escort to minimize disruption at the school and to assist with additional requests. If you would like to visit a school, please contact the Public Information Coordinator. We will work with your schedule, as well as that of the students and staff, in order to ensure that your visit is a successful one. Keep in mind that our schools participate in early dismissal days, standardized testing, and school-wide events that may prohibit your visit on a specific day.

    PHOTOGRAPHING OR INTERVIEWING STUDENTS

    BOCES strictly enforces and follows student privacy preferences and the release of student information as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. BOCES operates in compliance with this law and allows students and parents to opt out of the release of certain information about students, including photographs. The Public Information Coordinator will work with each school to determine who cannot be photographed and interviewed according to FERPA guidelines. Before taking photos or videos, please verify the legality with the Public Information Coordinator.

    All media inquiries should be directed to the Public Information Coordinator, including inquiries sent via e-mail. Exceptions include routine athletic and/or extracurricular activity news coverage during games, tournaments, and/or performances conducted outside the normal school day.

Contact information

Christina Kunzman APR, 
Manager of Communications and Public Relations
607-766-3831 

Our Core Values

  • Students are our first priority.
  • Employees are our most valuable resource.
  • Cultivating diversity, equity, inclusion and guarding against bias are essential.
  • Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
  • All employees will exhibit professionalism, integrity and excellence.
  • Creativity and continuous improvement are crucial to everything we do.
  • A safe, challenging and nurturing environment supports learning.
  • All can learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally.
  • Customer service and collaboration are key to being a successful and trusted partner.