Strategic Engagement

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Home > Services > Strategic Engagement

Welcome to the Communication and Strategic Engagement Services. MESD is committed to encouraging and enhancing timely, responsive, and transparent communication and engagement within our agency and with our component school districts and community. We provide accurate, relevant, and timely information and engagement support through a variety of channels to build trust, strengthen relationships, and positively impact student achievement.
 
Information is conveyed primarily via:

• District Website, Social Media and E-Newsletter
• FlashAlert Notifications: Text, Email
• Articles/Stories in Local Newspapers, Television & Radio Outlets
• Component District Advisory Councils
• Accountability Reports
• Annual Report

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Strategic Engagement Staff

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Lafcadio Adams
Communications Specialist
(503) 257-1627 
ladams@mesd.k12.or.us

Key responsibilities:

• Webmaster: Provides content, design and support for district, school, program, and department websites 
  
• Graphic Design: Creates collateral materials, including brochures, flyers, and posters
  

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Laura Conroy
Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement
(503) 257-1516
lconroy@mesd.k12.or.us

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee community outreach and communication services
• Oversee government affairs services
• District spokesperson and public records custodian
• Information on Strategic Plan progress
• Strategic Initiatives; school security advisory, Multnomah County Communication Leaders Network

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Jaime Dunkle
Communications Specialist
(503) 505-3081
jdunkle@mesd.k12.or.us

Key Responsibilities:

• Multimedia production (videography and photography)
• Copy writing

• Special projects
  
• E-Newsletters: builds agency newsletters for distribution using program provided content
  

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Elana Emlen
Healthy Schools Specialist
(503) 257-1649  
eemlen@mesd.k12.or.us

Key Responsibilities:

• Advances the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model within MESD, the component districts, and with local, state, and national partner collaborations.

• Assists MESD and component district programs by arranging professional development, identifying grant opportunities, conducting research, and convening groups around WSCC components.

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Paulina Leperi 
Research & Data Analyst
(503) 257-1703  
pleperi@mesd.k12.or.us

Key Responsibilities:

• Works with program administrators to write and analyze surveys evaluating satisfaction with MESD programs and professional learning
  
• Conducts qualitative research including one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders to better understand district successes and challenges
  
• Collaborates with districts on analysis of attendance data and other metrics​
  

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Stacy Michaelson
Government Affairs Administrator, East County School Districts
(503) 257-1521  
smichaels@mesd.k12.or.us

• Supports the government relations and advocacy efforts of the East Multnomah County school districts
• Informs districts of relevant state and federal policy changes
  
• Liaises with local, regional, and state agencies
• Coordinates with education advocacy groups including COSA, OSBA, OEA, OSNA, ONA, and AFSCME
• Provides districts with legislative advocacy and communications support to advance priorities for children's education, health, welfare, and family stability
• Most recently: coordinated with legislative committee staff to host the Joint Student Success Committee at MESD and tour component districts
  

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