Proposal from consultant re discussion on Friday
foregone conclusionCrystal,
I received this from Heather. Let's discuss at our one on one.
Good evening, Naomi,
Thank you again for the opportunity to partner with Sequoia Union High School District on the communication strategy and support services related to our discussion on Friday.
In the attachment, please find my proposal for services. Please let me know if any services or timelines need to be adjusted. I also included a transcript and summary of your notes in this document. Feel free to edit these.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
All the best,
Heather
Proposal for Communication and Community Engagement Strategy
Prepared for: Sequoia Union High School District
Prepared by: McGowan Impact Consulting
Heather McGowan, M.A., APR – Principal Consultant
Date: October 7, 2025
Overview
Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) is embarking on the sensitive and complex process of determining the future of TIDE Academy. Transparent, timely, and empathetic communication will be essential in supporting students, families, and staff through this process, maintaining trust, and ensuring community understanding of the reasons, process, and outcomes of this decision.
McGowan Impact Consulting will partner with the Superintendent and District leadership to design and implement a clear, strategic communication and engagement plan to guide messaging and outreach before, during, and after the District's decision-making process.
Scope of Work
McGowan Impact Consulting will develop and implement a comprehensive Communication and Community Engagement Strategy that includes:
1. Strategic Communication & Engagement Framework
- Develop a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy for the TIDE Academy closure process, including objectives, key audiences, messages, communication channels, and timeline.
- Ensure alignment with SUHSD values and ongoing district initiatives.
- Provide recommendations to strengthen transparency, consistency, and trust throughout the process.
2. Initial and Ongoing Communications
- Draft clear, empathetic initial communications for affected families and staff at TIDE Academy.
- Prepare districtwide communications to all SUHSD families and staff, ensuring context and transparency for the broader community.
- Support communications before and after key decision milestones, including:
- Superintendent's Recommendation
- Public Hearings / Town Halls
- Board's Final Decision
3. Communication Tools & Collateral
- Develop and provide:
- Talking Points for administrators, board members, and site leaders.
- FAQs addressing common community concerns.
- Website Content outlining the process, timeline, and key documents.
- Presentation Support – review and advise on content for district presentations to community and staff groups.
4. Community Engagement & Facilitation
- Attend and support facilitation of up to six to eight (6–8) parent/community town hall meetings, with no more than two meetings per group (3–4 groups total).
- Sessions to be no longer than two (2) hours each.
- Provide support in the design of meeting structure, messaging, and follow-up.
- Document recurring questions and themes to inform subsequent communications.
5. Advisory & Strategic Counsel
- Provide ongoing guidance to the Superintendent and communications team on strategy, message alignment, and risk management.
- Advise on Board communications and engagement with community partners.
- Recommend opportunities to highlight student success stories, staff impact, and the district's commitment to student success throughout the transition process.
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication & Engagement Strategy | Comprehensive framework including objectives, audiences, key messages, timeline, and engagement plan. |
| Initial Family & Staff Communications | Drafted letters/emails to affected and districtwide audiences. |
| Key Decision Messaging | Drafts and templates for Superintendent recommendations, Board actions, and post-decision communications. |
| Talking Points & FAQs | Materials for internal and external communication consistency. |
| Website Content | Public-facing information describing process, timeline, and outcomes. |
| Town Hall Support | Agenda, materials, facilitation notes, and onsite support for up to 8 sessions. |
| Presentation Advising | Review and guidance for presentations to staff, parents, and community partners. |
Timeline
| Phase | Description | Estimated Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Strategy development, initial communications | October 9–November 3, 2025 |
| Phase 2 | Town Hall Facilitation | Early November 2025 |
| Phase 3 | Superintendent's Recommendation and Initial Public hearings | Late November 2025 |
| Phase 4 | Board final decision and transition communications | December 2025 |
The timeline may need adjustments based on the district calendar and Board schedule.
Investment
| Service | Hours/Units | Rate | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic planning, communications, and collateral development | 40 hrs | $175/hr | $7,000 |
| Attendance & facilitation at up to 8 town hall meetings (2 hrs each + travel from Folsom to Menlo Park) | 32 hrs | $175/hr | $5,600 |
| Advisory meetings, content review, and message alignment with leadership | 16 hrs | $175/hr | $2,800 |
| Estimated Total Investment | $15,400 |
Travel time between Folsom and Menlo Park is included in hourly calculations; additional travel-related expenses (if any overnight stays are required) will be pre-approved by the district and reimbursed at cost.
About McGowan Impact Consulting
McGowan Impact Consulting specializes in strategic planning, communications, and impact evaluation for school districts and education organizations. With over two decades of experience in K–12 public education communications, leadership, and community engagement, Principal Consultant Heather McGowan, M.A., APR, has guided multiple districts through sensitive change initiatives — including school consolidations, bond programs, and strategic planning efforts — with an approach rooted in transparency, empathy, and trust-building.
McGowan Impact Consulting partners with education leaders to develop communication strategies that:
- Center community voice.
- Build understanding and alignment around complex issues.
- Reinforce confidence in district leadership and decision-making.
Next Steps
Upon approval, McGowan Impact Consulting will provide:
- A brief project kickoff agenda and timeline for district review.
- Draft initial communications and message framework within two weeks of authorization.
Prepared by:
Heather McGowan, M.A., APR
Principal Consultant
McGowan Impact Consulting
heather@mcgowanimpact.com
www.mcgowanimpact.com