Jason Manuel, superintendent of Germantown (Tenn.) Municipal School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Communication Technology Award for Superintendents. The award recognizes one district leader annually for leadership in redefining, upgrading and integrating cutting-edge communication technology to improve and expand outreach and engagement with internal and external education stakeholders. Congratulations, Superintendent Manuel!

A champion for two-way communication and a proponent for leveraging technology to support and advance community engagement, Superintendent Manuel’s focus on strategic communication is underscored by the district’s Strategic Plan 2025: Inspiring Personal Excellence. Now in its third year of implementation, the strategic plan includes a community partnership goal that aims to increase “awareness of the excellent education and innovative programs offered at Germantown Municipal School District” and to strengthen “current parent outreach and engagement with the goal of building positive pathways of communication.” 

In support of those objectives, Superintendent Manuel and his team have spearheaded the implementation of the GMSD mobile app; the district’s digital Neighborhood Newsletter to students, parents and community members; a “Let’s Talk” messaging platform that supports customer service by allowing stakeholders to engage (anonymously if they prefer) in a two-way dialogue with district staff; wide-reaching community engagement events and more. 

“The award selection committee was impressed with Superintendent Manuel’s leadership in using technology to improve and enhance district communications and engagement,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “Communication technology is an integral part of the district’s strategic plan success, and we’re proud to recognize those efforts.”

Superintendent Manuel will be honored at the NSPRA 2023 National Seminar during the General Session on Monday, July 17, at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.