the School District of Philadelphia
    
Chief of Communications

Fernando Gallard

440 N. Broad Street
Suite 102
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-400-4040

About Us

The Office of Communications serves as a link between the School District of Philadelphia and its stakeholders, particularly parents, community members and local and national media outlets. The office also offers communications support and resources to schools and administrative offices as they interface with the public.
The Office of Communications:
  • Proactively communicates information about the District, its programs, initiatives and schools to various stakeholders;
  • Responds to information requests from the news media;
  • Coordinates and assists with District-wide special events, particularly those which recognize staff, students, alumni and partners;
  • Provides support to the School Reform Commission during meetings;
  • Manages the District’s cable television station to inform the public, to provide access to the airwaves for the District’s non-profit education partners, and to showcase the achievements of students.

How We Are Organized

The Office of Communications consists of the following components:


Strategic Communications

This component is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that provide centralized messaging for the District to external audiences.  Liaisons provide support to other offices in the District and maintain visibility on initiatives, activities, decisions and issues that need to be shared internally and/or externally.


Media Relations

Media relations is responsible for overseeing the operation of a news desk by providing appropriate and timely answers to reporters’ questions.  This component develops and maintains positive working relationships with the news media based on honest and open communication.  Additional responsibilities include maintaining social media sites, conducting media training for District staff and serving as District spokesperson at public forums.


PSTV

PSTV is responsible for all filming, production and editing for the District’s television station PSTV Channel 52.  This component also develops public service campaigns and special productions and provides video documentation and audio/visual support of public meetings and presentation. 

 

Community Engagement

This component plans programs that promote good will and fosters relationships with community leaders.  This team works with civic, nonprofit, religious and community groups to engage the community in the District’s activities and engage the District in the community’s activities.