The superintendent of the Ocean View School District has been named a Superintendent to Watch for 2017-18 by the National School Public Relations Association.
Dr. Carol Hansen, who joined the district a little more than two years ago, is one of 21 school chiefs from across the country to earn the designation from NSPRA, a nationwide association of school communicators.
In addition to being featured on the NSPRA website and in its newsletter, she’ll be recognized at a luncheon next July during the association’s annual convention in Anaheim.
“As a school district, Ocean View is prioritizing open, transparent communication in all that we do,” Hansen said. “We are focused on multiple methods of sharing information and engaging with our families, staff and communities, so it feels wonderful to be recognized nationally for these efforts.”
NSPRA says it spotlighted superintendents with less than five years of experience who have implemented communications programs featuring newer technologies coupled with more traditional methods. Other criteria included integrating communications goals into district strategic plans and being actively and visibly involved in communications efforts.
Since arriving in Ocean View in July 2015, Hansen has worked to keep families, staff and community members informed and engaged with an updated website, social media accounts, a messaging system and in-person meetings, according to a statement from the district.
“The common threads running through Dr. Hansen’s 32-year career are effective leadership and collaboration, both of which hinge on communication,” said OVSD Board President Gina Clayton-Tarvin, who supported Dr. Hansen’s nomination. “Her combination of face-to-face contact and digital communication tools are a powerful formula for successful engagement with families, employees and the community.”
The Ocean View School District serves more than 8,700 students from preschool through grade 8 at 17 schools in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster and Midway City.