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The mass communications tool, Connect-ED, played a vital role in providing timely updates during last month’s firestorms.
Nearly 138,000 families and more than 22,000 employees received information about school closures and re-openings with phone
calls and e-mails generated through Connect-ED. Superintendent Carl Cohn used the tool to send personal messages of support
and thanks to district families and employees.
Connect-ED is a web-based outbound voice messaging tool that can broadcast thousands of personalized phone calls and e-mails in a matter of minutes. Funded through the Annie E. Casey Foundation Grant, Connect-ED was launched as a pilot program in 39 district schools and up until the fires, was primarily being used for parent outreach and attendance calls. With its proven success during an emergency, an amendment to formally expand the program was recently approved by the Board of Education. All district-run school sites, departments and child development centers will have access to Connect-ED by the end of 2007. Funding will be supported by the central office.
Connect-ED is coordinated by the Communications Department. A series of trainings for new users will be held prior to the end of the year. For information, contact jbreister@sandi.net or (619) 725-5578.