When an independent school faces a risk to its reputation or standing in the community, it needs all the help it can muster. One way to minimize that risk is through prompt, professional crisis communications.
Timing is often a critical component with a potentially damaging situation. Delay allows faulty rumors and misunderstanding to spread and outrace the facts.
A school benefits, then, from having a pre-existing relationship with a communications consultant with a proven track record on such matters. Even better is knowing one who appreciates the particular needs of independent education. Having that expert on speed dial is great for peace of mind when the temperature starts to rise.
Fine Point Communications provides independent school leaders with veteran and sensitive crisis communications counsel, helping them respond to the toughest situations. We know how to give parents, employees, alumni and more the important information they need without creating anxiety or alarm.
Our firm has assisted heads of school, board chairs and administrative teams as they addressed such delicate matters as:
- Arrests of employees and prominent alumni
- Lawsuits involving decades-old allegations
- Upsetting behavior off-campus or online by students, faculty or staff
- Discord over educational decisions, especially involving curriculum
In every case, Fine Point Communications is devoted fully to the school facing a crisis, for as long as the need remains.
What’s more, the school may incur no cost for our services, depending on its insurer. For instance, United Educators offers a ProResponse member benefit that kicks in automatically when a school faces a risk of material damage to reputation.
Sometimes a crisis can be resolved before it ever goes public. Indeed, this is often the best-case scenario. Still, it’s wise to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. School administrators should call in Fine Point Communications at the first glimpse of trouble.
Our work is always confidential and, thanks to our productive relationships with legal counsel, often privileged.
This post is adapted from the August 2023 issue of Refill, a newsletter published by Fine Point Communications.
