LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (October 1, 2024) – SchoolCEO is pleased to announce that Katherine Crnkovich, APR, CPRC, communications officer of Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) in Florida, has been named the recipient of its first-ever SchoolCEO Excellence in School Marketing Award. 

“Katherine Crnkovich is the epitome of a passionate and innovative school communicator,” said SchoolCEO Editor Melissa Hite. “Her creative work at Seminole County Public Schools is rooted in a deep love for public education and student success. We are proud to highlight her great work, as well as that of our other three finalists.” 

SchoolCEO, the only marketing magazine in K-12 public education, created the award to honor school comms professionals for innovative work that pushes the fields of school communications and marketing forward. The winner was announced at the annual SchoolCEO Conference, presented by Apptegy in Little Rock. 

Crnkovich is in her 10th year as a school communicator. She is the president of the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA), which is a division of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Under her leadership, SCPS launched “CTE Rocks on Tour,” an innovative plan to bring business partners, legislators, faith-based organizations and other stakeholders onto campuses to learn about the district’s career and technical education offerings. Crknovich’s passion for supporting students has also led her to several volunteer positions, including mentoring refugee students and acting as a court-appointed special advocate for children.

“Ms. Crnkovich is passionate about public education and motivated to do everything within her power to ensure every student has an opportunity to receive a quality education,” said SCPS Superintendent Serita D. Beamon. “She works tirelessly to reach out to our families and community.”

Three other finalists for the award were also honored: 

• Dr. Lauren Nolasco, APR, Chief Communications Officer at Portsmouth Public Schools, Virginia 
• Dr. Erica Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Business and Community Partnerships at Orangeburg County School District, South Carolina
• Kristi McNerlin, Chief Communications Officer at Blue Valley Schools, Kansas

Full stories on all four finalists will appear in print and online in the fall 2024 issue of SchoolCEO Magazine. You can read each finalist's feature at www.schoolceo.com/a/celebrating-excellence/

Earlier this year, SchoolCEO Partnered with NSPRA to conduct an original research study titled “A Seat at the Table.” Of the survey’s 600 respondents—all of whom were school communicators—47% indicated that they work as a team of one. What’s more, an alarming 77% responded that they were at least “sometimes” burned out, with 37% answering that they were “always” or “often” burned out.

“This is not an easy job, but it is truly built for people who are passionate about what education can do and about sharing that with the communities they serve,” said Crnkovich. “I am constantly inspired by what my colleagues do and the amazing work happening to tell the stories. Thank you SchoolCEO for the opportunity to share this field and celebrate the people who are in it.”

About SchoolCEO 

SchoolCEO is a research and perspectives magazine for school superintendents, communications professionals, and other K-12 leaders. Published quarterly in print and online, it is the only magazine focused on marketing in K-12 public education. With more than 20,000 readers, SchoolCEO is leading the conversation on communications, recruitment, and branding in public education. For more information, visit www.schoolceo.com.

About Apptegy

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Apptegy is an education technology company dedicated to helping school leaders build powerful identities for their schools. For more information, visit www.apptegy.com.