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Using public relations to lessen the impact of budget cuts in a public elementary school

Author

Lisa Marian Nance Ventura, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Carol Ann Hackley

First Committee Member

Jon F. Schamber

Second Committee Member

Qingwen Dong

Abstract

Public schools in California have suffered severe budget cuts, causing lay-offs among teachers and support staff, class size increases, and program cuts. This thesis includes an audit of a public elementary school to determine its use of public relations practices to establish family and community partnerships. Such partnerships often channel much needed resources into schools. In-person interviews were conducted with administrators, teachers, parents and community members. Participants were asked to answer both open-and closed-ended questions. School publications were also reviewed. 6 Results showed that the school has established partnerships within the community. These partnerships were established to provide services to children without access to dental or healthcare. However, these partnerships are limited, and they impact only a small number of students. Results also show a willingness on the part of parents and community members to volunteer at the School. However, the School has not communicated that there is such a need. Suggestions are made for ways the School might use public relations to enhance outreach efforts.

Pages

90

Recommended Citation

Ventura, Lisa Marian Nance. (2013). Using public relations to lessen the impact of budget cuts in a public elementary school. University of the Pacific, Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/847