Team : Work
news n’ such
Case Studies
Beating the 60% bond barrier with 3/3 wins
In 2025, three school districts enlisted our help with their communications strategy and materials for their bond resolutions in the February 2026 special election. Learn how the RPIE strategic communications framework guided our work and the passage of all three bonds with the highest voter approvals in the state.
Beating the 60% bond barrier with 3/3 wins
In 2025, three school districts enlisted our help with their communications strategy and materials for their bond resolutions in the February 2026 special election. Learn how the RPIE strategic communications framework guided our work and the passage of all three bonds with the highest voter approvals in the state.
Beating the 60% bond barrier with 3/3 wins
In 2025, three school districts enlisted our help with their communications strategy and materials for their bond resolutions in the February 2026 special election. Learn how the RPIE strategic communications framework guided our work and the passage of all three bonds with the highest voter approvals in the state.
Turbocharging your marketing strategy with HubSpot
The Challenge ESD-U is a program operated by ESD 112 that provides alternative routes to teacher certification in Washington. Established in 2018, the program has consistently served 40-60 candidates per year; however, with the full PESB approval in late 2022, the...
Using research & strategy to achieve a 94% bond and levy success rate
The Challenge The pandemic and increasing political polarization have put schools at the forefront of culture wars that have adversely affected community support for school funding measures. School bond measures in Washington require a 60% supermajority to pass, and...
Organizing content for the web
The Challenge Prevent Coalition had a landing page for their Secure Your Cannabis campaign, which targets retailers, community partners and parents in the effort to prevent marijuana use by youth. In the beginning, the page started out small with just a few images and...
Tips for Using AI in Design: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why
AI image generators can turn a spark of an idea into a ready‑to‑use visual in minutes, no drawing skills required. No more digging through stock art hoping for something “close enough.” But these tools have real limits. Here’s how to prompt smarter and how to know when it’s time to hand things off to a pro.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Using AI in Design: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why
AI image generators can turn a spark of an idea into a ready‑to‑use visual in minutes, no drawing skills required. No more digging through stock art hoping for something “close enough.” But these tools have real limits. Here’s how to prompt smarter and how to know when it’s time to hand things off to a pro.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Using AI in Design: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why
AI image generators can turn a spark of an idea into a ready‑to‑use visual in minutes, no drawing skills required. No more digging through stock art hoping for something “close enough.” But these tools have real limits. Here’s how to prompt smarter and how to know when it’s time to hand things off to a pro.
Tips for Using AI in Design: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why
AI image generators can turn a spark of an idea into a ready‑to‑use visual in minutes, no drawing skills required. No more digging through stock art hoping for something “close enough.” But these tools have real limits. Here’s how to prompt smarter and how to know when it’s time to hand things off to a pro.
Crisis communication tips from FEMA Public Information Officer Training
Whether an organization is responding to a major incident, a school safety concern, a weather closure, or a fast-moving rumor, the communications challenge is often the same: share accurate information quickly, clearly, and responsibly. Why does this matter? In a...
Tools for communicating in a school crisis
Mass communication tools help districts send urgent messages through multiple channels at the same time, including text messages (SMS), emails, and automated voice calls.[dsm_icon_list icon_color="#D4217D" icon_background_color="RGBA(255,255,255,0)"...
Establishing “normal and regular” communications before an election is key
What does 'normal and regular' communication practices mean?In Washington state, public school districts must follow strict guidelines around the use of public resources in elections and during election periods. The state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) provides...
Shop Talk
Safety Study Hall: Making safety and prevention information easier to share
We spoke with Communications Manager Anna Hixon about a recent collaboration with ESD 112’s Prevent Coalition and the Washington State Department of Health to make Safety Study Hall resources easier for schools and districts to share. Together, the team developed ready-to-use communications materials featuring vetted information on important health and safety topics to support prevention and preparedness.
Safety Study Hall: Making safety and prevention information easier to share
We spoke with Communications Manager Anna Hixon about a recent collaboration with ESD 112’s Prevent Coalition and the Washington State Department of Health to make Safety Study Hall resources easier for schools and districts to share. Together, the team developed ready-to-use communications materials featuring vetted information on important health and safety topics to support prevention and preparedness.
Safety Study Hall: Making safety and prevention information easier to share
We spoke with Communications Manager Anna Hixon about a recent collaboration with ESD 112’s Prevent Coalition and the Washington State Department of Health to make Safety Study Hall resources easier for schools and districts to share. Together, the team developed ready-to-use communications materials featuring vetted information on important health and safety topics to support prevention and preparedness.
ChatGPT Interviews the Humans: Why AI still needs communications experts
Many people assume communications is mostly about creating content. What role do strategy, stakeholder awareness, and relationship-building play that AI can't replicate?Communications is never just about creating content. The content is the visible part, but the real...
Crisis communication templates: Respond to emergencies with confidence
We spoke with Communications Manager Justine Vazquez about why crisis communication templates matter and how the ESD 112 Regional Communications Consortium is helping districts prepare.Why should school districts prepare crisis communications templates before they...
Using data to shape your communications plan
Where does data fit into the communications planning process? Data helps us set SMART objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Social media and website analytics help track day-to-day performance and support long-term goals....
Interview with Ashley about tackling problems, building trust and asking the right questions
Ashley didn’t necessarily set out to build a career in education, but she found a place where her love of strategy, problem-solving and meaningful work all came together. Now supporting school districts throughout the ESD 105 region, she thrives on taking complicated challenges and turning them into clear plans.
Communicator Spotlight
Interview with Ashley about tackling problems, building trust and asking the right questions
Ashley didn’t necessarily set out to build a career in education, but she found a place where her love of strategy, problem-solving and meaningful work all came together. Now supporting school districts throughout the ESD 105 region, she thrives on taking complicated challenges and turning them into clear plans.
Interview with Ashley about tackling problems, building trust and asking the right questions
Ashley didn’t necessarily set out to build a career in education, but she found a place where her love of strategy, problem-solving and meaningful work all came together. Now supporting school districts throughout the ESD 105 region, she thrives on taking complicated challenges and turning them into clear plans.
The People Pleaser, the Sassy Visionary, and the Intellectual: Three AI Interviews
Each AI was prompted: I want to interview you as an AI image generation tool. Please limit your response to each question to 2-3 sentences, so the interview doesn't go too long. Here's your personality prompt: ChatGPT: You are an unapologetic people pleaser with a...
Interview with Moriah about coming full circle in creative work
Have you always wanted to work in a creative career? Absolutely. As a little girl, I was more interested in crafting clothes for my dolls than playing with them. I loved drawing and anything that let me be creative.How did you get started with design? When I was in...
Interview with Dania about accessible and equitable communications and design
Dania and her husband, Steven, at a Mariners game in Seattle.What made you pursue a career in communications and design? I started my career in marketing and communications after earning my MBA from Pacific Lutheran University (go Lutes!). I worked in the nonprofit...