Overview

We began our work with Canfield Local School District by learning about its mission, vision, strategic plan, core values, existing brand, and most important needs. Our team spent extensive time understanding the platforms and ways in which the district communicates with its stakeholders while further developing what information was desired and needed to achieve the communication goals of the district. 

Through our strategic partnership, The Impact Group and Canfield Local School District came together with a comprehensive communication plan to articulate the district’s priorities across various platforms.

Challenge

Canfield Local Schools is ranked as a top district in Mahoning County and in the State of Ohio, receiving accolades from The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, U.S. News & World Report, as well as boasting significant achievements in academics, athletics and arts. The district had a need to communicate the ongoing successes occurring within its schools in a cohesive way that would reach all of its stakeholders.

Solution

In order to influence the perception of all stakeholders to positively articulate district achievements and increase stakeholder engagement, the Canfield Local School District prioritized communicating the successes occurring within the school system on an ongoing basis. With an emphasis on the theme Positively Canfield, communications reiterated the positive trajectory of the district via student, staff, and district accomplishments. After establishing a visual logo representing Positively Canfield, the district focused on sharing this theme across a variety of communications platforms, including social media posts, a twice-monthly newsletter, quarterly messages from the superintendent, and apparel for staff and students.

Impact

Through the implementation of the strategic communications model, Canfield Local School District has successfully infused this theme into the school’s culture by communicating the accomplishments that make the district Positively Canfield. 

Internal and external stakeholders have responded positively to the district’s efforts, becoming key contributors to sharing positive stories and successes. From community members to staff to students, all members of the Canfield school community are invited to share Positively Canfield moments for the district to highlight. Getting stakeholders involved in the process has ensured that the positive impact continues to expand. 

Our Model is designed to help.

We understand the unique challenges faced by school districts. In an age where information is disseminated through various channels and at an unprecedented speed, it can be overwhelming to manage and streamline communication effectively.

Our model is designed to help districts like Canfield Local School District develop and implement a robust communication plan that aligns with their goals and resonates with their audiences.

While every district has its own culture, the challenges faced by Canfield Local School District are not unique. Many organizations grapple with similar issues. But, with The Impact Group’s strategic approach to communication, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for connection and engagement with the community they serve.

2026-10-05T16:45:01-04:00
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Kind Words

Building Lasting Relationships

“The Orrville City Schools Board of Education was excited to share the Orrville City Schools Strategic Plan with our community. Developed in partnership with The Impact Group, a communications and strategy firm with strong expertise in working alongside public schools, this plan reflects months of extensive community engagement with students, staff, families, administrators, and community leaders. The feedback gathered shaped a plan that is truly representative of Orrville City Schools and aligned with our community’s values and priorities. We are proud to say this is not just a plan on paper; we have already implemented changes based on these strategic initiatives. The Board and administration will continue using this plan as a guide to strengthen our schools and expand opportunities for every student.”

Pat Lorson, Board of Education President, Orrville City Schools

“It is my privilege to write this letter of endorsement on behalf of the Impact Group and their exceptional support during the Orrville City Schools’ recent strategic planning process. Their team demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and commitment to ensuring that our district developed a comprehensive plan that truly reflects the values, goals, and aspirations of our school community.

From the outset, the Impact Group established a process that was both inclusive and structured, enabling the voices of students, parents, staff, community members, and board leadership to be heard in a meaningful way. Their facilitation not only valued every perspective but also kept our work focused and productive.”

Dr. David M. Toth, Superintendent, Orrville City Schools

“As Superintendent of New Albany-Plain Local Schools, I am pleased to share our positive experience partnering with The Impact Group (IGPR) on several key initiatives. Their strategic guidance was instrumental in the successful passage of our $135 million bond issue, which garnered 61% voter approval and will fund vital campus improvements. Additionally, IGPR conducted a communications audit, providing actionable insights that have enhanced our district’s engagement and transparency. Their professional development session on Appreciology has also empowered our team to foster a more positive and appreciative organizational culture.”

Michael Sawyers, Superintendent, New Albany - Plain Local Schools

“Our partnership with Impact Group has been invaluable in helping Willoughby-Eastlake Schools refine our branding and storytelling. Their expertise has provided us with clear, consistent branding guidelines and a renewed vision for how we communicate our district’s mission and impact. Thanks to their guidance, we are better equipped to share our story in a way that truly reflects who we are and what we stand for. We deeply appreciate this collaboration and the positive difference it has made for our schools and community.”

Dr. Patrick Ward, Superintendent, Willoughby Eastlake City Schools

“I am grateful for the partnership we’ve experienced with The Impact Group. Despite the physical distance of our offices, their integration with our team and knowledge of our district has been remarkable. Their strategic communications model has kept us focused on our big ideas and easily intertwined into our planning meetings and communication efforts. Working with their team feels like a partnership. Impact Group members are lifesavers!”

Dr. Laura Blessing, Former Superintendent, Miamisburg City Schools

“Our partnership and collaboration with the Impact Group has been invaluable in sharing our District’s story.  Whether positively promoting the district, effectively navigating and communicating change, or leading through a crisis, the Impact Group does a fantastic job of walking alongside the District to proactively and transparently communicate with our District and community.”

Nathan Stutz, Superintendent, Perry Local Schools

“Finally, a strategic planning process that was painless and resulted in meaningful goals and objectives.  I have never experienced this level of employee involvement with a strategic plan.  The Impact Group can be credited for a professional and straightforward approach, gathering valuable information, filtering out useless data, and getting people excited.”

Mike Pelcic, Retired Superintendent, Pickaway County Board of DD

“The Impact Group is one of the best resources a local government can have regarding communication, messaging, and strategic thinking.  The strategic thinktank Tom and his team create is invaluable and I frequently find myself consulting with them for ideas beyond messaging and communication.

Their understanding of growing and strengthening an organization’s culture is commendable.”

Rob Schommer, City Manager, City of Bellbrook

“Working with The Impact Group to create our strategic plan was effortless! They took the time to meet with many facets of our school community and stakeholders to develop goals and objectives that will now guide the work we do over the next three years. I highly recommend using their team of educational experts to guide the work you do as the instructional leader of your district. You will be glad you did!”

Mike Cook, Superintendent, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
“The Impact Group has been a trusted communications resource for me for many years. Their expertise regarding school district communications, strategic planning, crisis communication and staff development have helped me, help the districts I have served. I would certainly recommend The Impact Group to any school district.”
Rob Gress, Alliance City Schools

“The Impact Group’s expertise regarding the communication of complex topics to a community in a manner that is honest, approachable and understandable, is considerable. I’d recommend them to anyone!”

Nathan Schindewolf, Triway Local School District

“The Impact Group has a fantastic, high energy, creative staff who are a pleasure to work with. They are responsive and truly care about their clients. The work they have done for my organization has truly been invaluable and I highly recommend them.”

Amy Jordan, President, Hudson Community Foundation
“The Impact Group is a great resource for public relations, strategic planning and crisis communication. The Impact Group employs a cadre of professionals skilled in all aspects of public relations.”
Ed Stark, Superintendent, Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities

“The Impact Group took our ideas and created an amazing brand for our business. They continue to come up with great ideas all the time. Would recommend their services to anyone!”

Amber Mohrman, Owner, Mohr Stamping

“Locking arms with the staff at The Impact Group who want to do the same and have fun doing it was nothing but advantageous for our organization in our strategic planning process. The Impact Group delivered a sophisticated report, yet, simple for staff to create, share and implement.”

Jeannie Turner, Director of Community Services, Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities

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