NJSPRA Spring 2026 Workshop
Reputation, Recognition and Reach:
Building an Unforgettable School Brand
Thursday, March 26, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Breakfast/Check-In Open at 8:30 a.m.
RSVP/Registration Absolutely Required by March 19th,
Including for Active Members
Join us to learn how to elevate your brand from strategy and positioning, to logo and mascot design, and creation.
What’s Your Story? Leading with Identity
Skye Dillon, Founder and Creative Director of SKYE
Skye Dillon is the Founder and Creative Director of SKYE, a sport branding agency based in Florham Park, New Jersey. Over a 20-year career, he has led the creation of identity systems for some of sport’s biggest stages – from the MLB World Series and NBA All-Star Game to the NCAA Final Four, among others – in addition to transformative work for collegiate athletic programs, minor league teams, professional franchises like the Orlando Magic, and school districts across many New Jersey communities.
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Recognition Realized:
Trials, Triumphs, & Rebrands
In this dynamic panel discussion, district leaders pull back the curtain on the messy, rewarding reality of transforming a school’s identity. Moving far beyond color palettes and logos, these pioneers will share the "war stories" of their rebranding journeys—from navigating community skepticism (the trials) to celebrating the moments their new identity truly clicked with families (the triumphs).
Our Panel:
- Derek Tranchina - Director of Special Projects - Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission
- Danielle Schwartz - Communications Officer - Ramsey Public Schools
- Eshaya Draper - Director of Communications - South Orange & Maplewood School District
- Jennifer Baldassari - Director of Communications - Lawrence Township Public Schools
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The Report Card Roundtable:
Grading Our Brand Health
Take our Branding Self-Evaluation Report Card, grade your district’s performance across key categories—from visual consistency, and storytelling to how well your staff embodies the district’s mission.
Once the "grading" is complete, break into collaborative roundtable discussions with peers from similar-sized districts to compare scores, swap strategies for common challenges, and identify exactly what it takes to improve your grade.
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Demystifying the APR: A Step-by-Step
Guide for School Communicators
Renee Janowicz, APR
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Announcement of the 2026
Communicator of the Year!
Help us celebrate this year's winner!
Logistics
NJPSA FEA Conference Center
12 Centre Drive Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Included with Active NJSPRA 2025-2026 Membership
(Dues must be paid in full or purchase order received in order to attend)
RSVP/Registration required, including for active members,
and due by March 19th
Members unable to attend may send a substitute from their district.
Contact executivedirector@njspra.com for alternate registration code.
Guests Welcome - $125 per
Includes continental breakfast (available at 8:30am) and lunch
Champion Sponsors
Interested in speaking or presenting at future NJSPRA events?
Contact VP of Programming, Christine Corliss
