Michigan School Public Relation Association

About MSPRA

Exemplary Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association for Professional Development.

If you’re responsible for communicating with students, staff, parents and local residents about your school, you need MSPRA – even if “communication” is not part of your job title.

News & Announcements

January 30, 2026

Registration Now Open for MSPRA's Annual Conference

Beyond the BAYsics: Connecting Our Communities will take place March 5-6, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront. This year’s annual conference brings together school communication professionals for two days of learning, connection and practical takeaways.

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January 27, 2026

January 2026 InSiDe Update

The January issue of InSiDe Update is now available, featuring tools, resources and updates for ISD and district leaders statewide. This edition explores the power of outdoor story walks to promote early literacy and physical activity, strategies ISD leaders are using to elevate MiStrategy, and a new microlearning series on AI for parents from Kent ISD. You’ll also find the latest Early Math newsletter, details on the Literacy Coaching Quarterly Meeting, and registration info for the MAISA Spring General Membership Meeting.

Jennifer Kane stands in front of red school lockers holding her award in her hands and smiling at the camera.

2025 Rising Star Award Honoree, Jennifer Kane

January 5, 2026

2025 Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Utica Community Schools Public Relations Coordinator Jennifer Kane who was honored in December with the 2025 MSPRA Rising Star Award, a new award established in 2025. Since joining Utica Community Schools four years ago, Jen has redefined what it means to lead with both heart and high-level strategy. Congratulations to Jennifer, our 2025 Rising Star!

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Jessica is holding here award in hand as she stands beside here school superintendent. Background is an off white colored cinderblock wall and a wooden door.

2025 School Communicator of the Year Jessica Stilger, APR

December 12, 2025

2025 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year

Congratulations to Berkley Schools Director of Communications Jessica Stigler, APR for capturing the prestigious 2025 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the year award! Recognized for her leadership, professionalism, communication excellence and meaningful community impact, Jessica was presented with the highest individual honor a school communicator can receive in Michigan during the Berkley School Board of Education meeting on December 8, 2025.

Read Full Article

More News & Annoucements

January 30, 2026

Registration Now Open for MSPRA's Annual Conference

Beyond the BAYsics: Connecting Our Communities will take place March 5-6, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront. This year’s annual conference brings together school communication professionals for two days of learning, connection and practical takeaways.

Read Full Article

January 27, 2026

January 2026 InSiDe Update

The January issue of InSiDe Update is now available, featuring tools, resources and updates for ISD and district leaders statewide. This edition explores the power of outdoor story walks to promote early literacy and physical activity, strategies ISD leaders are using to elevate MiStrategy, and a new microlearning series on AI for parents from Kent ISD. You’ll also find the latest Early Math newsletter, details on the Literacy Coaching Quarterly Meeting, and registration info for the MAISA Spring General Membership Meeting.

January 5, 2026

2025 Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Utica Community Schools Public Relations Coordinator Jennifer Kane who was honored in December with the 2025 MSPRA Rising Star Award, a new award established in 2025. Since joining Utica Community Schools four years ago, Jen has redefined what it means to lead with both heart and high-level strategy. Congratulations to Jennifer, our 2025 Rising Star!

Read Full Article

December 12, 2025

2025 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year

Congratulations to Berkley Schools Director of Communications Jessica Stigler, APR for capturing the prestigious 2025 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the year award! Recognized for her leadership, professionalism, communication excellence and meaningful community impact, Jessica was presented with the highest individual honor a school communicator can receive in Michigan during the Berkley School Board of Education meeting on December 8, 2025.

Read Full Article

> More News & Events

Membership Benefits

Become a Member of MSPRA! As a member of MSPRA, you will connect with other professionals in school communication. If you have a question or an issue, there is a bank of experienced colleagues that you can call. Join Now!

Professional Development Reduced registration rates at MSPRA seminars and conferences, designed especially for communicators concerned with the future of education in Michigan.

Awards and Recognitions An annual event open to all members for a minimal fee. Each entry receives a complete evaluation. Award Recipients

Daily News Feed Often featuring bellwether education-related stories that are making headlines in Michigan (and/or the nation) delivered to your inbox every morning.

Resources Our members-only collection of public relations resources are contributed by members for members. MSPRA Resources

Listserv You can access the skills and expertise of our entire membership with just a few keystrokes.

Member Testimonials

Ashley Kryscynski, MSW, Director of Communications and Public Relations, Washtenaw ISD To say I'm beyond grateful for MSPRA would be an understatement! As someone who did not come from a public relations background, my MSPRA colleagues have offered me a wealth of knowledge and resources so I can best serve my district. They've generously provided support for everything from the mundane to full scale crises, and I know they always have my back.

Zach Harig, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Hamilton Community Schools Being new to the school PR and communications world, MSPRA helped connect me to experienced professionals and resources to help me learn and better myself. MSPRA helps you develop a list of trusted colleagues that you can turn to in a moment of need or celebration, no matter the situation.

Susan Coney, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Kalamazoo Public Schools MSPRA provides top-notch training and resources. But most importantly, its passionate and knowledgeable members are there to provide support, offer suggestions, cheer you on, or lift you up when things are challening. It is a great feeling to know there is a cadre of talented, and caring school PR professionals across the state available at assist when needed. There isn't a better SPRA than the award-winning Michigan chapter.

Karen Heath, Director of Communications, Berrien RESA At MSPRA, we are a family. Members truly care about each other and are always willing to lend a hand. Not only do they understand both the challenges and joys of being a school communicator, but this network of talented professionals also openly shares resources, serves as thought a partner, provides guidance in times of uncertainty, and offers a shoulder to lean on in the most difficult situations. I could not do my job well without the support of MSPRA. I am very grateful and proud to be a member of this association.

Robert Tolbert, MBA, M.Ed. - Dir. School Com. Rel. & Pupil Accounting, Ferndale Public Schools MSPRA has cultivated an environment of collaboration and learning from each other. When faced with a new project or difficult situation, members are always willing to share their knowledge, experience, and resources because, in the end, we are all in this together.

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