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Timberlane inches forward with PR consultant [The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.](Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, MA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 20--PLAISTOW -- The Timberlane Regional School District is moving forward with the idea of hiring a public relations consultant. Last week, the district posted a request for proposals seeking a public relations consultant on its website. The school district, which includes Atkinson, Sandown, Danville and Plaistow, has come in for some negative publicity in recent years over some controversial decisions. The district was criticized earlier this year for nixing a student production of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" at Timberlane Regional High School and trying to impose a gag order on dissenting School Board members. The Timberlane Regional School Board voted to move forward with a request for proposals for a public relations consultant on Oct. 2. Board member Donna Green, who has been criticized by other school officials for challenging the board on issues that include school spending and transparency, was the only one to vote against the proposal. In the RFP, school officials defined the job description. Duties include assisting with media relations and social media development, providing positive stories on school events and activities monthly, writing opinion pieces for newspapers and developing a plan for branding the school district. The public relations consultant would also help teachers and parents communicate with each other, assist the School Board with district initiatives and "develop and assist in crisis communication," according to the RFP. School officials previously said the recommendation to hire a consultant came from the Citizens Advisory Committee. The CAC, formed in 2012, includes members from each community in the district and each school, plus one staff member appointed by Superintendent Earl Metzler. The district would hire the public relations consultant for one year, with the option to renew for additional one-year periods. Applicants must provide the school district with three references "in which similar contracts have been provided to school or educational organizations," according to the document. School Board members previously said the public relations consultant will help the district share good news and provide a consistent message. No salary has been set for the position, but School Board Chairwoman Nancy Steenson previously said the position would be part time. The deadline for submitting proposals is Nov. 5. at 3 p.m. ___ (c)2014 The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) Visit The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) at www.eagletribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |