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Home
National Seminar
Future Dates
Scholarships
NSPRA Foundation Seminar Scholarship
Armistead New Professional Seminar Scholarship
Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Scholarship
Dawn K. McDowell Memorial Scholarship
Don Bagin Memorial Scholarship
Executive Board's Seminar Scholarship
Pat Jackson Seminar Scholarship
Rich and Carolyn Bagin Seminar Scholarship
NSPRA Leaders Memorial Scholarship
#K12PRChat Scholarship
Professional Development
Webinars
On Demand
Academy & Programs
NSPRA Academy
Convince the Boss Toolkit
Leadership in School Communication Program
APR Cohort
Mentor Match
Accreditation in Public Relations
APR Cohort
Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Setting Up Panel Presentations
Testimonials
Renewing Your APR
#K12PRChat
Internships
PR Resources
Hot Topics in School PR
Generative AI in School PR
#K12Verify: Schools and Social Media
Superintendents and School Communicators
Overcoming False Information
Request a Communication Audit or Survey
Request a Communication Audit
Request a SCOPE Survey
Books and Publications/Online Store
Research Tools
Efficiently Gather the Information You Need
Samples and Resources (Gold Mine)
Newsletters
Professional Partner Member Directory
Collection of School PR Podcasts
Starting a School Public Relations Program
Awards
Submit Your Work
Gold Medallion
Golden Achievement
Publications and Digital Media Excellence
Frequently Asked Questions
Nominate a Colleague
School Communicator of the Year Award
Presidents Award
Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award
Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award
Learning and Liberty Legacy Leader Recognition
NSPRA Learning and Liberty Award
Superintendents to Watch
Emerging Leaders Award
NSPRA Front-Runners
35 Under 35
Nominate Your Chapter
Criteria, Requirements and Incentives
Award Winners
Membership
Application for Membership
Membership Types
Member Benefits
Membership Directory
Renew
Member Communities
Chapters
Chapter Leaders Hub
Conferences and Awards
Chapter Events Calendar
Presidents Summit
NSPRA Regions
Volunteer
NSPRA Member Survey Reports
Home
Awards
Award Winners
35 Under 35 Honorees
Josué Reyna
35 Under 35: Josué Reyna
Every other year, NSPRA's
35 Under 35 program
recognizes school public relations professionals who are making a difference for their school districts or education-related employers.
The sixth class of NSPRA's 35 Under 35 program is sponsored by
Rhodes Branding
.
Josué Reynar
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Menifee Union School District
Menifee, California
How many years have you worked in school PR?
7 years.
What have you found to be the most rewarding part about working in school PR?
The growth and visible impact is definitely the most rewarding part about working in school PR. I believe most would agree that there is always something new to learn. For me, the best learning experiences come through collaborating with a network of PR professionals. There is so much we can learn from each other, including PR pros in other industries. Because no two school years are the same, school PR can be a laboratory in which we experiment to combine timeless communications principles with curiosity and innovation to tackle the most daunting projects! This is when the most exciting learning takes place. Additionally, seeing evidence of an impactful campaign or effective strategy is deeply rewarding. It is heartwarming to see staff, students, and families live fulfilling lives as a result of a well-designed communications plan. Even more so, it is immensely gratifying to see an entire organization shift due in large part to effective communications and PR leadership.
What have you found to be the most challenging part about working in school PR? How do you approach those challenges?
A challenging aspect of working in school PR is thinking through unintended consequences. We have seen campaigns go awry, not because of malintent, but rather, a lack of thorough research and planning. As with many other challenges, building relationships is key to a successful approach. Staying in consistent contact with our staff to hear about their goals and challenges is paramount. It provides me with opportunities to learn and improve our collective understanding as to how PR fits in our overall objective. My colleagues and I at Menifee Union School District share the goal of providing an exceptional educational experience for students and an amazing work environment for staff. Coming together to think through the unintended consequences of any initiative or project helps us to accomplish just that. This approach relies heavily on relationship-building, and it continually proves to help generate near-failproof products and plans.
What has been your most fulfilling professional experience thus far?
Most recently, we had a resource and enrollment fair in the Menifee Union School District. The goal of the event was to make the enrollment process as easy and convenient as possible for families, while connecting them with local organizations offering a variety of resources and services. Our family engagement staff worked tirelessly, showing much dedication, collaboration, and anticipation. On the day of the event, we witnessed hundreds of individuals attend and make connections that may have never happened otherwise. There was a special moment where staff was able to connect a new family of immigrants who spoke Turkish with another family fluent in Turkish. The connection was heartwarming! Moreover, at that moment, we were able to establish our district as a safe and nurturing space for this new family. Sure enough, we have seen them stay engaged and take an active role in their children’s education. The immediate impact of this entire event was truly a fulfilling experience.
Are there any emerging trends in school public relations that excite you?
Across the country, districts are raising the bar when it comes to school PR. By leveling up our “PR game,” we are challenging each other to do better and be better. And it is all for the worthy cause of enhancing the education experience for students and staff. This can only bring great things, and it excites me tremendously to be a part of this game-changing moment!