The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) recognized Omaha Public Schools and our District Communications team with a Gold Medallion Award for their outstanding work planning and redesigning our district's website.  

NSPRA selected eight Gold Medallion winners from 66 entries from school districts across the United States and Canada. This award recognizes school public relations programs and campaigns that effectively use strategic communication methods. It is the highest award in school public relations.  

"This year's winning submissions are truly reflective of best-in-class, effective school communication plans," said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. "Each demonstrated a rich understanding of strategic communication best practices and resulted in a positive, authentic impact on their communities." 

Our district's entry highlighted the depth of research, planning and community engagement that went into redesigning our website. Since 2014, Omaha Public Schools received feedback that the website needed significant improvements. An updated site experience became part of the Strategic Plan of Action in January 2020.  

The District Communications team researched best practices and gathered feedback for the new site. The team then created a road map for the launch, with the district’s new homepage debuting Oct. 1, 2021. High school websites launched in September 2021, middle school sites in April 2022 and elementary school sites in waves concluding in December 2022. 

Feedback from the website redesign has been positive from staff and the community. In a recent survey, 90% of parents and 84% of staff rated the site as average or better quality. Additionally, 63% of respondents considered the website a trusted and reliable source of information.  

“Our team was excited to launch a new website that gives an enhanced user experience for our staff and families,” said Kala Morrissey, director of communications. “We appreciate the recognition from NSPRA, and the positive feedback from our community is our gold standard.” 

Omaha Public Schools previously won a Gold Medallion in 2018 for our #OPSProud brand launch. Director of Communications Kala Morrissey and Chief Communications Officer Jeremy Maskel, APR, will receive the 2023 award at the NSPRA national seminar in July.