Communications

The Office of Communications coordinates employee and parent communications, social media, news media, District calendars, special publications and presentations.

NamePhonePosition
SandraRiesgraf801-567-8290Director
DougFlagler801-567-8337Communications Specialist
ChadMargetts801-567-8201Web Manager

Guidelines for Working With the News Media

  • Never respond before having all the facts. Always call the reporter back (this buys you preparation time and the chance to review these media guidelines).
  • Communicate with your supervisor and key administrators immediately.
  • Develop a written statement (keep it as simple as writing your thoughts down on a 3×5 card).
  • Consult with the District spokesperson as soon as possible.
  • Relay information to reporters on a timely basis. Release the necessary facts of the situation. Stick to your written statement.
  • Focus on the solutions, not the crisis.
  • Do not make light of any “crisis.” Every situation is serious if the media is at your doorstep.
  • Notify PTA, School Community Group leaders, and civic officials with the facts of the situation. It’s better they hear it from you than on the news.
  • Don’t rely on the media to tell the whole story.
  • Keep cool. Do not get provoked.
  • Never take it or make it personal.
  • It’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
  • Speak in short, concise sentences.
  • “Spin” your answer in a way so you can get your message out.
  • When possible, prepare, prepare, prepare.
  • Never lie.
  • Always be a professional.
  • Be accommodating, but remember your top priorities are your students and staff, not the reporters.
  • Stay calm.
  • Do not shift blame.
  • Never speak on behalf of the District.
  • When appropriate, apologize.
  • It’s fine to show emotion if the situation dictates.
  • No media favoritism.
  • Reassure parents of students’ safety.
  • Don’t think just because the reporter has stopped taking notes or the camera is shut off that the interview is over.
  • Trust your instincts.

20 Tips for Successful News Interviews

  1. Learn as much as possible about the reporter, the issues, the angle.
  2. Determine three talking points and stick to them.
  3. Get your message across, no matter what questions are asked.
  4. Speak in short sentences, no more than 10-15 seconds per answer.
  5. Use simple, direct words. Avoid educational jargon and technical terms.
  6. Be assertive, candid, friendly, not funny.
  7. Use bridging techniques to keep control of the interview.
  8. Avoid mannerisms that distract from your message. Dress professionally.
  9. Don’t fidget or fold your arms.
  10. Look directly at the reporter.
  11. Take a deep breath and focus your thoughts before you speak.
  12. Make sure your mind is in gear before your mouth travels.
  13. Anticipate the reporter’s questions.
  14. Use specific examples, emotions, personal experiences.
  15. Always tell the truth and stick to the facts. Never speculate.
  16. Make sure all facts and figures are accurate.
  17. Structure your answers: headline, examples and detail, conclusion.
  18. Nothing is off the record.
  19. If you don’t know the answer, say so and offer to get it.
  20. Be confident, polite and courteous.

Communications Resources

For potential stories regarding Jordan School District, please contact 801-567-8337.


Style Manual & Logo Guidelines

In order to establish a cohesive image of Jordan School District and to provide readers with consistent, clear communications, the Office of Communications has prepared a style manual as a guidebook of editorial style. For our purposes, style is defined as rules regarding the mechanics of written communication such as capitalization, spelling and punctuation of words-not as rules of literary composition or forms of expression such as manner and tone.

The Jordan School District Style Manual is based on reference works that will be uniformly applied to all District and school publications printed for external audiences. The style references contained herein are primarily based on the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual and Webster’s New World Dictionary, considered standard style guides for most written forms of mass communication.

Information on proper use of the District logo and tagline can be found on our District Logos & Tagline Use page.