Communications & Public Relations
The Kennewick School District Communications Team supports schools and students by coordinating communication with families, staff and our community.
As professional communicators and the voice of our district, we tell inspiring stories, share important information and keep our community connected to the latest news about Kennewick schools, programs, events, staff and student achievements, and more.
To stay in the know, visit the KSD website frequently, subscribe to our The Good Stuff eNewsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Have a great story idea?
Contact us with any story ideas or information that we can share with our community.
Media Relations Protocols
Media representatives should send their requests, including any deadlines, to Robyn Chastain, executive director of communications and public relations, at robyn.chastain@ksd.org. We will respond to your request as quickly as possible.
Media representatives should not reach out to school or district employees with media requests or they will be re-directed to the Communications Department.
Dissemination of timely, accurate, and newsworthy information to the community through the news media is the primary responsibility of the Executive Director of Communications & Public Relations, working in cooperation with the Superintendent.
The Executive Director of Communications & Public Relations will coordinate news coverage of the schools and the school district and will serve as the primary media spokesperson on all matters of district-wide interest.
The Kennewick School District Communications Department:
- Serves as the primary contact through which accurate and consistent information passes to the local media. The Communications Department is responsible for recommending, organizing, capturing, and directing media relations activities.
- Serves as the primary contact for information about programs, events, students, and staff that may be in the form of a press release. The department may also provide research, contacts, or subject matter experts to support media requests.
- Coordinates building visits by reporters and photographers (preferably in advance), notifies district personnel that visitors are on campus and guides visitors to the appropriate location.
- Responds quickly to media inquiries, especially as they relate to emergencies and inclement weather.
School district employees should keep the following in mind:
- Any inquiry from local television, radio, web-based news, or printed media organization should be directed to the Executive Director of Communications & Public Relations, Robyn Chastain, at (509) 222-7424.
- Media will not be allowed on school campuses without advance written or verbal permission of the Executive Director of Communications & Public Relations.
- Media representatives are reminded regularly that no student may be interviewed or photographed without the school first determining that the student’s parents or guardian have signed a media opt-out release form on file.
FLYER DISTRIBUTION REQUESTS
We use an e-flyer service called Peachjar to send out information about educational, recreational and social opportunities for our students to families. This service is made available to local non-profit organizations. Learn more about Peachjar and setting a free or paid account.
Public Records Requests
Public records requests are submitted through the district's legal counsel. Learn more at Public Records Requests.