Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic

JOHANNA VILLAREAL

San Jose,CA

Summary

With a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the operations and processes of all aspects of a public school district, along with extensive experience in overseeing various projects such as the successful passing of several bond measures and parcel tax initiatives to benefit the school district, I am well-suited for the role of WCUSD's Public Information Officer. I am ready to effectively manage communication strategies and public relations to strengthen the bond of the District with its staff, parents, students, and community. Being a results-driven professional with experience in training and mentorship of staff in improving effective community engagement, robust internal and external communications plan, and strategic operations within a public school district, I am confident that I will be able to enhance WCUSD's overall communications and community platform.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief of Staff

Evergreen School District
02.2022 - Current
  • Provided support and direction to district departments for the implementation of the district strategic plan
  • Coordinated the efforts of special projects impacting district-wide, student achievement, nonacademic operations efforts, departments, and activities, as assigned by the Superintendent
  • Maintained a continuous flow of information directly with the Superintendent concerning the overall operation of the district and ensured all communications are aligned with district strategic goals, policies, and procedures
  • Encouraged effective new practices and methods and assured coordination of divisional activities and other units contributing to school improvement efforts
  • Engaged in site visits with the Superintendent and other members of the Superintendent’s Cabinet to assess the adequacy level of district support services and provides appropriate feedback to departments/programs to enhance and adjust district support services
  • Oversaw the execution of District policies and best practices, and actively meets with other members of the Superintendent’s Cabinet to support the implementation of district-wide goals and initiatives
  • Analyzed and managed sensitive issues that arise within the Superintendent’s office to ensure such matters are addressed effectively with an emphasis on minimizing or negating any potential impact on the District
  • Coordinated and directed personnel, resources, communication, and information to meet the needs of the District and align district-wide operations to increase efficiencies
  • Assisted the Superintendent in the development of policy recommendations concerning district operations and community relations
  • Represented the district at community, state, and national functions, as assigned by the Superintendent
  • Served as a resource to the Superintendent to provide technical expertise regarding assigned areas of responsibility, advised the Superintendent of trends or problems and made recommendations for appropriate corrective actions
  • Served as a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet and attended all meetings of the Board of Trustees
  • Supervised and evaluated the performance of assigned personnel and assisted with disciplinary actions and meetings as necessary
  • Coordinated the timely and accurate development, production, and dissemination of District publications, reports, and related media
  • Expedited response to inquiries and complaints received by the District from citizens, news media, and school personnel
  • Prepared and directed the distribution of Board of Trustees agenda materials
  • Documented and maintained official Board meeting minutes and other official documents
  • Performed all other duties assigned by the Superintendent.
  • Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.

Director of Communications & Board/Administrative Services

Evergreen School District
12.2019 - 02.2022

Responded to public and staff requests for information and provided assistance on routine matters which included sensitive and confidential situations.

  • Gathered information and prepared newsletters, news and press releases, including appropriate photographs for mass media, as well as special publications such as staff and student recognition.
  • Organized special events and special projects assigned by the Superintendent, potentially including news conferences and ceremonies focusing on District initiatives.
  • Acted as the District representative and maintains communications and relationships with the press, media representatives, District staff, and local community.
  • Oversaw the District website guidelines and policies as well as managed the District’s website design and maintenance.
  • Prepared (design/layout/edit) special brochures, flyers, and other publications and visual materials to assist with all types of presentations.
  • Prepared Board of Trustees agenda materials and other written communications for the Superintendent while serving as the Superintendent’s liaison to parents and community.
  • Oversaw and acted as a resource for school site administrators regarding community, staff, and student relations.
  • Attended Executive Cabinet meetings and assisted members in formulating and recommending policies and goals for the operation of the District.
  • Developed and implemented positive internal and external public information, public relations, press releases, and programs through a variety of media, cognizant of District ethnic diversity.
  • Directed and coordinated public information in conformance with Federal and state regulations and District policy.
  • Monitored local, state and national legislation as it relates to educational issues and informs the Superintendent on the implications to the District.
  • Improved social media presence with tailored content strategies for each school and department within the District resulting in higher audience engagement.
  • Managed crisis communication, mitigating negative publicity during high-profile incidents.
  • Spearheaded the rebranding initiative, aligning visual identity with District values and strategic direction.
  • Streamlined internal communications by implementing a district-wide protocol.
  • Enhanced District brand visibility by developing and executing strategic communications plans.
  • Revamped district and school websites content to improve user experience, increase web traffic and to increase engagement with all stakeholders.
  • Developed key messaging for all external-facing District materials to ensure consistency across channels and touchpoints.
  • Boosted employee engagement with releasing weekly staff newsletters with transparent updates from leadership.
  • Increased media coverage through targeted press releases and proactive media outreach.
  • Assisted with media interviews, and preparation
  • Supported the Superintendent plans through development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies.
  • Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in communicate engagement and public relations.
  • Built and maintained relationships with bargaining units, local officials and community partners.,
  • Created and managed social media campaigns of all schools and departments to increase community engagement.
  • Mentored local personnel on best practices and protocols in communications to maximize productivity.
  • Coordinated with design team to develop high-quality creative assets.

Manager of Board/Administrative Services

Evergreen School District
05.2015 - 12.2019
  • Served as administrative support to the Superintendent with a variety of sensitive and privileged matters, which may include performing research and data abstraction about legislation, court decisions, counsel opinions, and legal provisions that may affect the District's operational processes.
  • Served as liaison between the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees.
  • Coordinated activities required by the Governing Board, including conference and travel arrangements, provided operational information, and the preparation of correspondence and special reports.
  • Planned, organized, coordinated, and supervised the preparation, printing, and distribution of the Governing Board agenda and related materials, notices, bulletins, and other communicative documents.
  • Attended all meetings (e.g., Board meetings, Cabinet Meetings, Advisory Committee meetings.) prepared notes, and official meeting minutes, and maintained the official record of the Governing Board minutes.
  • Organized and supervised the revision, updating, and maintenance of the Governing Board and District policies and regulations.
  • Performed follow-up functions to ensure a timely response to the Governing Board and Superintendent's requests for special reports and information about correspondence, memoranda, reports, and a variety of other subject matter that may be sensitive, privileged, and highly confidential.
  • Maintained an extensive degree of knowledge and information regarding general district-level operations and specific information related to the programs, services, and operations of the District.
  • Promoted effective relations with the community, parents, businesses, schools, surrounding districts, and district personnel.
  • Maintained a knowledge of new and ongoing legislation as it pertains to public education.
  • Served as a liaison to committees and/or organizations on behalf of the Superintendent and/or Board of Trustees to convey and gather information required for District operations.
  • Supported Board legal counsel to ensure the Board's compliance with the Education Code and Ralph M. Brown Open Meeting Act procedures
  • Interpreted policies, operational regulations, and procedures for District personnel and the educational community for the Superintendent.

Business Services Specialist

Evergreen School District
01.2012 - 05.2015
  • Oversaw Business Services staff in this department
  • Worked collaboratively with the Chief Business Officer on the preparation of reports and with new or improved procedures in the fiscal operation of the District
  • Assisted with the budget development, interim reporting, and close of the accounting records for the Santa Clara County Office of Education
  • Oversaw worker compensation claims for classified and certificated employee groups
  • Oversaw the District Facilities Usage System
  • District liaison working with community partners, and businesses in coordinating facility usage
  • Assisted with decisions related to workload assignments in the internal department
  • Assisted the Manager of Board/Administrative Services in overseeing the Board of Trustees monthly meetings
  • Assisted in the formation of Budget Advisory Committees
  • Prepared agenda materials for Budget Advisory Committee meetings.

Education

Schools

Skills

  • Influencing Skills
  • Meeting Facilitation
  • Collaborative Mindset
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Planning and Prioritization
  • Critical Thinking
  • Process Improvement
  • Policy and Procedure Modification
  • Relationship Building

Accomplishments

    Awards of Excellence from the California Schools Public Relations Association

  • Excellence in Community Engagement - 2022

References

Available upon request.

Affiliations

  • California Schools Public Relations Association

Languages

Tagalog
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Chief of Staff

Evergreen School District
02.2022 - Current

Director of Communications & Board/Administrative Services

Evergreen School District
12.2019 - 02.2022

Manager of Board/Administrative Services

Evergreen School District
05.2015 - 12.2019

Business Services Specialist

Evergreen School District
01.2012 - 05.2015

Schools
JOHANNA VILLAREAL