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2024 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award is given annually to a practicing superintendent or CEO of a school district, education agency or service center in recognition of outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. This award is given in memory of Robert L. Grossman, ASPR, an NSPRA past president who believed that the support and commitment of our top education leaders is vital to successful school communication.
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D., is the superintendent of schools for the Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, Texas, where she's served in a number of leadership positions for more than 20 years.
Just two years after being named superintendent of the district in 2019, Blaine commissioned an NSPRA audit of the district's communication efforts to help identify areas of strengths and areas of opportunity. Underscoring her commitment to ensuring transparent and open communication, Blaine implemented a number of the audit's recommendations to help address some of the challenges identified, including the hiring of additional communication staff, enhanced translation and interpretation capacity and more.
A 2022 NSPRA Superintendent to Watch, Blaine was recognized by the association for her dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core after successfully implementing a multi-faceted communication plan to support a structured approach to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as welcoming students back for in-person instruction.
Blaine regularly meets with the district's associate superintendent of communications and community engagement, who serves as a senior staff member on her team, and ensures she is at the table when strategic decisions are made. Blaine also meets regularly with the district's key communicator groups, including the Spring Branch Education Foundation, SBISD Board of Trustees and high school student council leaders.
An advocate of accessible and open communication, Blaine's dedication to continuous improvement and willingness to listen to feedback have been instrumental in promoting a positive school culture. "One of Dr. Blaine’s most notable qualities is her ability to adapt communication strategies to meet the diverse needs of stakeholders," said Cecilia Thompson, executive director of the Spring Branch Education Foundation. "Whether through traditional channels such as newsletters and parent meetings or through the integration of technology and social media platforms, she ensures that information is accessible and transparent, ultimately enhancing trust and engagement."
The nomination submission portal for the 2025 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award will open in January 2025.
The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award is given annually to a practicing superintendent or CEO of a school district, education agency or service center in recognition of outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. This award is given in memory of Robert L. Grossman, ASPR, an NSPRA past president who believed that the support and commitment of our top education leaders is vital to successful school communication. The award is presented during a General Session of the NSPRA National Seminar, and the recipient receives a registration to the Seminar and lodging for one night.
Eligible nominees must be a practicing superintendent/CEO of a public school district or education agency (i.e., county office of education), association, service center, intermediate unit, or BOCES. NSPRA membership is not required for nomination. Current NSPRA Executive Board members and NSPRA staff are ineligible for nomination.
A nomination must include a current vita/resume for the nominee and at least two letters of support related to the nominee's leadership in the area of school public relations and communications. It must also include an explanation of why the nominee should be considered for the award and examples of how the nominee meets the selection criteria.
As part of the selection process, a selection committee will consider whether the nominee:
The current year Grossman Award winner will receive:
The award winner also will be invited to present a Skill Session during the Seminar.
For more information, contact NSPRA at awards@nspra.org or 301-519-0496.
View a complete list of previous award recipients.