Kiski Area Superintendent Misty Slavic is on a mission to improve communications and brand awareness in the district.

Slavic has partnered with the school board to form a new Public Relations Subcommittee with a goal of increasing positivity in the district.

“We’re trying to get our community members involved,” Slavic said. “What do they need to know? What do they want to know? And how can we get that information to them?”

The group held its first meeting Wednesday, , March 23 and about a dozen people were in attendance.

Slavic said she’d like to see the district increase what she described as brand awareness.

“We don’t really have a brand. I want people when they see Kiski Area School District, or they see our shirts or emblem, to say ‘Oh, that’s an amazing school district,’ ” Slavic said.

One key priority for Slavic is updating the district’s website.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to hire a director of communications, ” said Slavic, citing budget restraints. “We need it but if I have to choose between academics and that, I will always choose academics.”

School Board member Todd Sterlitz was elected last year and decided to join the committee because he would like to see the Kiski reputation evolve into something special.

“Based on the great ideas from our first meeting, it’s not going to be long before the community starts to see more and more about the great things happening at Kiski,” Sterlitz said.

“We need to find a better way to get the message out to everyone inside and outside of the district.”

Sterlitz referenced two area public school districts he feels are doing well in regard to branding — Fox Chapel Area and Franklin Regional school districts.

“Their websites are easily navigated, and Fox Chapel really celebrates their students and district accomplishments well on social media and their website,” Sterlitz said.

District officials are extending an invitation to business owners, residents and motivated individuals willing to volunteer their time on the committee.

“Anyone in the district is welcome to join,” Slavic said. “We are looking for people to contribute.”