Public Relations

Public Relations Office

Dothan City Schools is committed to providing quality instructional programs that promote knowledge and skills and build life and career characteristics in our students. Our schools are designed to create well-rounded students by challenging them with opportunities that help meet their needs, nurture their talents, interests, and aptitudes and expose them to new experiences.    Through the Public Information Office, Dothan City Schools plans to ensure clear and consistent communication with its stakeholders.

Our Communications Goals: 

1. Establish a clear brand identity for the district to build image and reputation while accurately telling the story of DCS.
2. Protect the privacy of DCS students
3. Utilize a variety of media to maximize the awareness and support of the district’s goals, objectives, and programs.
4. Develop and maintain transparency in school district operations as well as procedures for handling crisis
5. Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with all stakeholders to strengthen support for DCS.
6. Promote community involvement and build partnerships that serve to enhance the educational experience of DCS students.
7. Providing essential and effective communication resources to all Dothan City School employees and departments to support student achievement.

Dothan City Schools Public Relations Department handles all media relations related requests and acts as DCS's Public Information Office. 
 

Media Guidelines for All Dothan City Schools

Dothan City Schools recognizes the important role the media plays in the community reporting the news and information about educational programs, services, students and employees. However, Dothan City Schools is dedicated to providing all students with a safe, learning environment without unnecessary interruptions.

Therefore, the following guidelines for the media are in effect at all district campuses and facilities:

VISITING A CAMPUS

Anytime a member of the media is on District property, the Public Information Officer or a designee will serve as an escort to minimize disruption at the school and to assist with additional requests. If you would like to visit a school, please contact the Public Information Officer, we will work with your schedule, as well as that of the students and staff in order to ensure that your visit is a successful one. Keep in mind that our schools participate in early dismissal days, standardized testing and school-wide events that may prohibit your visit on a specific day.

PHOTOGRAPHING OR INTERVIEWING STUDENTS

Dothan City Schools strictly enforces and follows student privacy preferences and the release of student information as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. Dothan City Schools operates in compliance with this law allows students and parents to opt-out of the release of certain information about students including photographs. The Public Information Officer will work with each school to determine who cannot be photographed and interviewed according to FERPA guidelines. Before taking photos, video, and quotes from Dothan City Schools students and staff, please verify the legality with the Public Information Officer.

All media inquiries should be directed to the Public Information Officer including inquiries sent via e-mail. Exceptions include routine athletic and/or extracurricular activity news coverage during games, tournaments, and/or performances conducted outside the normal school day.

Public Relations Request

Is something good happening in your school that the community should know about? Do you have good news to share about a class project, school activities, student and staff achievements, or interesting people in the district? Dothan City Schools Public Relations Office can help you get the news out to a broader audience.

Please click here to fill out the Public Relations Request Form.
(Only available for email addresses with dothan.k12.al.us)