Nearly a dozen members of local media and nearly 100 school district communication professionals met Sept. 17 for the annual “Meet the Press” luncheon hosted by the Houston Area School Public Relations Association (HASPRA) and Harris County Department of Education (HCDE). The event is an opportunity for journalists and district personnel to establish or improve media partnerships, discuss education coverage across the region and maintain connections throughout the year.  

A panel discussion featuring reporters Dayna Hayman (FOX 26 Houston), Jill Karnicki (Houston Chronicle) and Megan Menchaca (The Texas Tribune) discussed broadcast and print news opportunities and shared best practices on marketing story ideas and communicating with outlets during a crisis. New this year, district professionals received dedicated face-to-face time with members of the media to pitch stories about upcoming events, groundbreakings and community points of interest. Attendees also included representatives from the Houston Business Journal and Telemundo. 

HASPRA members meet monthly across the greater Houston to network, share innovative strategies and draw support from colleagues who face similar challenges in school communications. The September meeting hosting by HCDE sets the tone for the year by ensuring school communicators have media support when trying to inform their communities about student success, new programs and safety concerns.