Deneka Michaud-Thomas

Deneka did her classification talk and took us through a 'day in her life' as the Manager Communications for the Delta School District (vision: "Inspired Learning").

Delta is a large geographical area with 31 schools (24 elementary and 7 high schools) and a total of 42 facilities.  There are about 2,000 employees (1,000 teachers) in 2 unions and 7 trustees elected every 3 years.  There are about 15,300 students (enrolment has declined over the past few years) and the District receives about $7,000 per child each year (in addition to capital funding).  About 90% of the budget is staffing costs.  The board obtains public input on the budget.  One of the resources available is HomeQuest which provides resources for home schooled students (room with a teacher, field trips, resources so parents can ensure they follow the curriculum).

Deneka described her job as 'managing relations with stakeholders in the public interest through strategic communication'.  Delta SD's vision is to be a leading district for innovative teaching and learning success.  Her duties include: (1) assessing new information, changes (or potential changes) to determine who might be affected and how, what and how to communicate to whom (ex budget, emergency preparedness, technology, curriculum changes, special events, etc.); (2) ensuring child safety and privacy; (3) responding to media and public inquiries; (4) writing and distributing news releases; (5) updating the website, social media sites (including VIMEO which is a video sharing site with no ads), and newsletter; and (6) organizing special events such as assemblies, media events.

Delta SD has a 3 year communication plan.  The plan involves staffing, technology, curriculum changes (training and support), changes to assessment processes, etc.  Some of the recent initiatives include 'Think Before You Post' posters and training in 'digital literacy and online responsibility.  Students in Grade 5 learn how to do blog postings so training starts early.  Students are encouraged to take screen shots and report cyber bullying.  There is an element of marketing to the job as public schools often have to compete with private institutions for students (not so much in Delta as elsewhere in the Lower Mainland).

Deneka was born and raised in Deep Cove/North Vancouver, has two brothers, great parents, and is married to Dennis Thomas (owns Takaya Tours, a First Nations eco-enterprise in North Vancouver).  Deneka obtained a degree in Journalism (minor in Politics) from Carleton University, has a graduate degree in Communications from Royal Roads University and is working on a Masters at Royal Roads (Communications, Conflict Resolution).  Deneka has worked at the North Shore News, Delta Cable as a TV reporter, and trained as a traffic reporter with Global News, before joining the Delta School District.