By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Jennifer Campos isn’t nosey or gossipy – but she’s been hired to know what’s going on at Bowling Green City Schools and share it with the community.
Whether it’s a stellar tennis match, an elementary talent show, or “drive your tractor to school day,” she has elevated the school district’s presence on social media.
And that’s just the beginning of her plans to make the community aware of what students and staff are doing.
“The community said they wanted more communication and transparency,” she said of her newly created position.
So meet Campos – the person behind all the posts about Bowling Green City Schools.
Campos knows the importance of communication. As a parent, public health educator, and former school board member at another district, she’s all about sharing information.
So when Bowling Green City Schools began the search to fill the communications director position, Campos thought it would be a great fit.
“I knew there were a lot of amazing things happening in Bowling Green Schools, and I wanted to share those,” she said.
Two months into her new position, Campos has filled the district’s Facebook page with success stories of students and staff. The posts exalt students’ winning artwork, DECA students attending an international event in California, a choir concert showing the culmination of a year’s work, middle school students working with robots, a state band competition, and students letting loose at the after prom.
Campos also celebrates staff by recognizing them on national days honoring teachers, school nurses, school librarians, food service workers, bus drivers and school volunteers.
“I obviously can’t post every little thing that happens,” she said. “I want to give people glimpses of what happens in the classrooms. And I really do want to tell the story behind the pictures.”
In her previous jobs as public information officer and health educator at the Wood County Health Department, Campos’ position depended on her reaching out to the community about serious public health issues.
In her former position as a member of the Maumee Board of Education, she saw the value in transparency with the public.
And as parent of six children in a blended family, Campos knows how communication can be key.
“Parents want to know what’s happening,” whether it’s good or bad news. “They want to celebrate student successes as well.”
Campos hit the ground running, quickly spicing up the district’s social media with posts on classroom activities, extracurriculars, and important deadlines like kindergarten registration.
“That’s something I could do right out of the gate,” she said.
She also set up meetings to get to know how the district works – talking with building principals, food service staff and transportation staff.
“I’m making connections,” she said. “I’m learning as much as possible.”
And Campos is making an effort to recognize those in the community who step up to help the district – such as donating to make the after prom a night to remember.
“I want to thank the community who is supporting us,” she said.
Campos’ goals go far beyond social media. She has plans to create a printed newsletter that will be mailed out to every residential address in the school district. She is hoping the first newsletter may come out this fall.
She will make regular updates to the district website. “I will work to ensure that information is current, accurate and accessible.”
And she plans to compile an annual report listing district achievements and explaining details like how many miles the school buses are driven every year, and how many lunches are served each year.
“It will look at what it takes to run a district,” Campos said.
She is now the person sending out press releases, and she is looking forward to updating local residents on construction of the new high school. Campos realizes the community is curious about school issues, so she plans to attend community events to provide information.
“We want to show the quality of the school district,” she said. “I remain dedicated to serving the community with transparency, integrity and a commitment to fostering meaningful communication.”
