The Rutherford School District won statewide recognition for two pieces of an information campaign built around its 2019 bond referendum. Hosted by the New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA), the annual School Communications Awards recognize outstanding print and electronic supporting material in New Jersey educational communications programs.
This year, Rutherford Public Schools won 1st Place in the Special Interest Publication category for the four-page newsletter mailed by the district in advance of the September 2019 bond referendum. By sharing good news about the district while explaining the needs for a bond in a mailer, Rutherford was able to reach everyone in the community, clearly explain what the money would be used for and why it was so needed.
Rutherford School District also won 2nd Place in the Marketing/Branding/Image category for the “One Rutherford” theme that is symbolized by a collegiate-looking R whose backbone doubles as a 1. It was created by one of our own community members, John Proviserio. It’s a logo that you’ll recognize on flyers, signs, and magnets that can still be seen on cars and refrigerators across Rutherford.
NJSPRA developed the School Communication Awards competition to “recognize professional school communicators and other school leaders managing communications for developing tools that go above and beyond in disseminating important messages to their publics.”
This year, 75 entries were submitted for eight different award categories, a 17% increase from 2019.
“When voters rejected the bond referendum in 2018, we knew we has some serious work to do to not only get the community to understand our needs, but also to come together after a contentious vote,” said Jack Hurley, Superintendent of Rutheford School District. “The One Rutherford campaign was a great way to help unify the district and ultimately pass the $45.3 million bond referendum, which has allowed us to make critical improvements to our schools. To be recognized for the behind-the-scenes work necessary to help get us there, is very rewarding.”
For an update on the construction projects supported by the bond referendum, please visit OneRutherford.com.
