DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC COLUMBUS | DETROIT | NASHVILLE | WASHINGTON, D.C. | TORONTO | PHOENIX | LAS VEGAS | TROY | ANN ARBOR | LANSING | GRAND RAPIDS | SAGINAW WWW. DICKINSONWRIGHT. COM Amy J. Borman, Attorney 150 East Gay Street, Suite 2400 Columbus, Ohio Telephone: (614) Catherine West, MBA Communications Consultant

U NIQUE OBLIGATIONS : As public entities, all charter schools must abide by public records laws … But they must also carefully manage interactions with media (and the public) in ways that best tell their stories!

HOW do we set out protocol for each situation?

The best way is by policy, because “winging it” frustrates everyone involved and creates potential liability.

What are the policy considerations?

Let’s approach it like a reporter (using the Journalism 101 formula) WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY

WHO Help all staff be well-prepared!  Provide staff who answer your school’s phone with brief scripts – and instructions to consistently rely on them – when fielding calls from reporters or public records requests  Provide all staff with a basic statement to be used if approached by media  Designate your spokesperson(s) and make sure all staff understand who may, and who many not, engage with media

WHO  Choose your spokesperson(s) carefully, giving consideration to: Communications skills Base of knowledge Perceived credibility Personal style Consistent availability

WHAT  Public records requests  Media interview requests  Never refuse to engage!  It’s okay to ask (but not demand) details in writing

WHEN from a public/media relations perspective  Circumstances dictate what’s reasonable Determine urgency – have your front line staff ask reporters: “Are you on deadline? Think about the news cycle – and related deadlines – for print vs. broadcast media  Take time to draft (and get reasonably comfortable with) talking points  In emergency situations, use of a written statement may be your best strategy

WHEN from a legal perspective What’s a reasonable amount of time?  Records requests  Subpoenas  Requests for statements from media

WHERE  Control the setting!  Background/context  Students  Comfort  Dress  Most print media interviews conducted by phone

WHY  Public records: Required by law Not simple  Engagement with media: Opportunity to tell your story Opportunity to present the facts

ALWAYS USE TALKING POINTS!  Importance of communicating with stakeholders: Board Sponsor Staff Parents  Importance of staying on point with your message

EXAMPLES QUESTIONS COMMENTS DISCUSSION