KC-P1 - News Releases, Conferences and Interviews

The Board shall encourage sound relations with the press and other communications media.  The Senior Administration shall plan for periodic releases to the press and other communications media which will provide information to the community concerning divisional programs and plans.  News media representatives shall be welcome to attend all regular and special meetings of the Board.  (See also Policy #5).

Any news releases written about or on behalf of the Division should be read and approved by the Senior Administration, the Board, or the Chair before being released to the news media.

News releases regarding a particular school should be read and approved by the Principal of that school.

News releases applying to any group of employees shall be given to those employees before release, whenever possible and practical.

Any news conferences or interviews given by any staff member on topics that pertain to the School Division should be approved and/or attended by the Senior Administration, the Chair of the Board, or a representative appointed by the Board.

The following guidelines are included to assist personnel.

1. If you can answer a reporter’s or parent’s question in your area of responsibility, do so honestly.

2. Respond quickly to requests for information.

3. Avoid educational jargon where possible.

4. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.  I will find out and call you back.”

5. Nothing can be assumed to be off the record.

6. The media should be given access to all documents that are of a public nature.

7. Never play favourites.  Treat all forms of the media and the general public equally well.

8. Avoid making statements reflecting personal beliefs or opinions.  Responses should be objective, brief, and to the point.