Rochester Schools Modernization Program: Keeping a Large, Public-Facing Program Connected and Informed
The Challenge
The Rochester Schools Modernization Program (RSMP), Rochester’s largest public capital works project, is a long-term public program involving families, district leaders, community partners and contractors. With so many audiences and moving parts, clear and consistent communication is essential to maintaining transparency, building trust and keeping stakeholders informed.
LáLew Public Relations previously supported RSMP through earlier phases of the program. Now, as RSMP moves into Phase III, LáLew has returned to provide ongoing communications support across the program’s website, social media, media relations and other public-facing channels. The current engagement continues to support RSMP in navigating stakeholder needs, meetings and issues requiring a timely response.
LáLew’s Role
LáLew Public Relations serves as an extension of the RSMP team, providing ongoing communications support to help maintain a clear, credible and responsive presence. Our work includes:
Managing communications across the website, social media, media relations and public-facing materials.
Supporting meetings and stakeholder communications, helping ensure messages are consistent and audiences have the information they need.
Providing earned media strategy and outreach as opportunities arise.
Monitoring communications needs and helping RSMP respond quickly and thoughtfully to emerging issues.
Providing project management and cross-platform oversight to keep communications aligned with program priorities.
The Impact
LáLew brings more than media relations to RSMP. Since supporting RSMP through multiple phases beginning in 2021, we have helped translate complex information into stories that connect with the Rochester community and generate meaningful media attention.
That work has included securing coverage across News 8, News 10, News 13, Spectrum, WXXI, WBEE, the Rochester Business Journal, Democrat & Chronicle, Challenger Newspaper and Minority Reporter, among others. LáLew has also provided communications support during sensitive moments, including developing a public statement following the death of a Rochester school student.
This experience continues to shape our work with RSMP today. Now in Phase III LáLew brings an established understanding of the program, its audiences and the Rochester media landscape - allowing us to provide communications support that is timely, thoughtful and grounded in the community.
“Ms. Lewis has demonstrated a consistent professionalism for the Program that is characterized by prompt responsiveness, thorough coverage and tasteful creativity. Whenever I have placed media outlet recruitment (television, radio or print) in her charge through press releases, our website, our social media platforms or direct personal contact, she has always delivered in a timely and effective manner.”
