Lansdowne, PA – April 22, 2024
The William Penn School District is excited to announce that superintendent Dr. Eric J. Becoats is the recipient of the 2024 Key Communicator Award from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA). He received the award at the WPSD School Board Business Meeting on April 22nd by Christa Fazio, Executive Director of PenSPRA and Communications Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. This is the second time that this award has been presented.
The Key Communicator Award honors an education professional in Pennsylvania who has successfully contributed to the field of school communications. Nominations were open to legislators, superintendents or professionals in any field who have improved school communications, or to a member of PenSPRA who has contributed outstanding service to the profession of school communications.
Since joining the district in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Becoats has worked to establish transparent communication channels and strengthen relationships within the community. Notably, he spearheaded the development and implementation of the WPSD Strategic Plan: Focus Forward 2025, fostering collaboration with staff and community members to set clear priorities and goals. Through initiatives such as bi-weekly video updates, quarterly staff convocations, and advisory councils, Dr. Becoats has enhanced internal communication and engagement while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Moreover, Dr. Becoats’ advocacy for fair funding for Pennsylvania schools, highlighted by participation in rallies, press conferences, and media interviews, underscores his unwavering dedication to advancing educational equity. Additionally, Dr. Becoats’ efforts to improve external communication through initiatives like the launch of a new district website and implementation of the ParentSquare platform have enhanced family engagement and community outreach. Overall, Dr. Eric J. Becoats’ exemplary leadership in communications and community relations makes him a deserving candidate for recognition.
PenSPRA was chartered in 1969 and is an organization of school public relations professionals whose goal is to improve educational communication and support student achievement through systematic, proactive, and responsible public relations programs.
For more information about PenSPRA and the Excellence in Education Communications Contest, click here.