Building a Culture of Storytelling in Schools with Communications Director Derrian Hallas

The Key to Building Community Support For School Facility Projects

On this episode of The Content Generation Podcast, we're joined by Steve Miller, AICP, Business Development Director at architecture and planning firm, Clark & Enersen [https://www.clarkenersen.com/]. With a background in city planning, public engagement, and school facility design, Steve brings a unique perspective on how schools gather feedback, communicate needs, and build community support around major renovations and building additions. He shares how architecture, planning, and communication intersect when school districts begin rethinking their spaces. From safety upgrades and aging facilities to creating space for new and emerging programs, he explains why meaningful community engagement is critical long before a bond issue or referendum is presented to stakeholders. Steve was also part of the original founding team at MindMixer, a community engagement platform recently acquired [https://classintercom.com/news/class-intercom-to-add-survey-engagement-functionality-following-mindmixer-acquisition/] and retooled by Class Intercom into an AI-powered survey and engagement suite for schools [https://classintercom.com/survey-and-engagement-tools/].Throughout the conversation, Steve reflects on how districts can create opportunities for communities to feel heard and involved throughout the process. He discusses how storytelling, student voices, and transparent communication help communities better understand school needs, ultimately building the trust and support needed to successfully execute facility projects.

Using AI Thoughtfully & Practically in School PR with Cristina Capretta, APR

In this episode of The Content Generation Podcast, we're joined by Cristina Capretta, APR, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Berea City School District [https://www.berea.k12.oh.us/] and President-Elect of OHSPRA [https://ohspra.org/]. With over a decade of experience in school communication, Cristina has become a trusted voice on how emerging tools like AI are shaping the field. Cristina views AI as a practical resource for school communicators, utilizing it to analyze problems, generate feedback, and save time without compromising accountability or human voice. In this episode, she talks openly about how she experiments, where she draws boundaries, and why curiosity matters as these tools become part of everyday school PR workflows. In our conversation, she also reflects on how she remains resilient and positive through challenging seasons. She shares what it means to communicate for an evolving tri-city community, and how she lets purpose, people, and impact guide the work.

Owning Our Power in This Moment with NSPRA President Kelly Wachel

In this episode of The Content Generation Podcast, we're joined by Kelly Wachel, President of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) [https://www.nspra.org/]. Kelly shares how her path transitioned from the corporate world into public education shaped a career in school communications spanning urban, suburban, and rural districts across the Kansas City. That experience has prepared her to lead at a critical moment for public schools nationwide. Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on what it means to "meet the moment" in school communication as districts navigate increasing complexity and scrutiny. Drawing on decades of experience and the relationships she's built through state and national SPRA networks, she highlights the importance of listening and mentorship in helping school communicators stay grounded amid challenges. Kelly also shares her vision for NSPRA's future, highlighting the role of advocacy and collective leadership in elevating school communicators and reinforcing public education as a cornerstone of strong communities. Her insights offer a timely look at how school PR professionals can support one another while shaping positive public perception, trust, and understanding.

Building a Culture of Storytelling in Schools with Communications Director Derrian Hallas

In this episode of the Content Generation Podcast, we're joined by Derrian Hallas, Director of Communications at the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education in Alberta, Canada. A lifelong resident of the community she now serves, Derrian's role has grown significantly since she first stepped into the division's inaugural part-time communications position. Over the past decade, she has helped build a more intentional and strategic approach to communication. Derrian shares how her work has evolved from day-to-day content creation into leading the division's response during high-pressure moments, including a recent weeks-long teachers' strike that required clear, consistent, and empathetic communication for audiences with differing needs. She also discusses the recognition her team has earned through the national BRAVO! Awards [https://cace-acace.org/awards/bravo-awards/award-recipients/] from the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education [https://cace-acace.org/]. A key part of Derrian's leadership has been the development of a student media program that continues to thrive amid personal device restrictions in schools. With mentorship from local creatives and Class Intercom's technology, her student team has quickly become a valued part of storytelling. Tune in to hear Derrian's insights on building a culture of storytelling in schools, elevating student voice, and creating communication that is strategic, authentic, and engaging.

Why Schools Need Stronger Neighborhood Connections with Robbie Turner of Nextdoor

In the season six premiere of the Content Generation Podcast, we're joined by Robbie Turner, Senior City Strategist at Nextdoor, who's been with the platform since its early days as a startup. Robbie shares how her background in tech and public sector innovation led her to Nextdoor and how that experience helped shape the ways public agencies, and now schools, use the platform to connect with their local communities. In our conversation, Robbie explains how school communicators can use Nextdoor to reach an often-overlooked audience: neighbors who may not have students in school but care deeply about education, safety, and community impact. From promoting district events to educating voters about bond issues, she offers practical tips for building trust, engagement, and support on a platform designed for hyperlocal connection. Robbie also shares insights on how schools can use features like geo-targeted posts, emergency alerts, and events to better serve their neighborhoods while strengthening their district's online presence. She also gives a peek at what's next for Nextdoor's public agency tools and why schools not yet using the platform need to make it part of their communication strategy.