The Champion for Communications Award recognizes an education leader for outstanding support of school public relations and communications. The award highlights the importance of a leader’s role in implementing and supporting an effective communications program.
The award is open to any person employed in a school or district leadership role (who is not considered an organization's communications professional), which could include a superintendent of schools or CEO of an education agency, service center, or intermediate unit.
The review committee will consider selection criteria that includes how the nominee:
- Demonstrates the value of an ongoing, comprehensive and effective communications program;
- The nominee works closely and in a strategic way with the organization’s communications professional(s);
- Practices good communications management techniques, such as empowering staff, working with stakeholders, interacting with the media and building partnerships;
- Demonstrates excellent personal communications skills, such as ethics, honesty, openness and good listening skills;
- Commitment to the continuation of developing their own communications skills and support communications within their organization; and
- Shows evidence of use of effective tools and strategies to carry out a quality communications program (such as having a marketing/ communications plan based on the district’s strategic goals, providing regular communications to key stakeholders, ongoing community engagement).
Note: The submission window for MinnSPRA's 2025 awards program is closed. Please watch for more information about 2026 awards opportunities in the fall.
Meet the Newest Winner
Dr. Josh Swanson, superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools, was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Champion for Communications award
Dr. Josh Swanson has served as Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools since August 2017,
demonstrating a consistent commitment to transparent and effective communication throughout his tenure.
Dr. Swanson’s diverse background, including roles as a teacher, administrator, and even experience in the Fortune 500 company Merrill Corporation, equips him with a broad perspective and strong communication acumen. He is passionate about student and adult learning, consistently emphasizing the importance of clear and accessible communication in driving continuous improvement.
Dr. Swanson’s investment in the Eden Prairie Schools marketing and communications team has resulted in 89% of community members and 94% of parents saying the district does a good job of communicating, as measured by a June 2024 third party, statistically valid survey. These percentages show steady increases year over year. Beyond the district, Dr. Swanson actively participates in statewide educational leadership, serving in roles such as President of Phi Delta Kappa at the University of Minnesota and on the board of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. He also engages with local organizations like the Eden Prairie Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, further demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and open communication. Dr. Swanson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and his master’s, post-master’s administrative licenses, and doctorate from St. Mary’s University.
Winners
2025
Dr. Josh Swanson
Eden Prairie Schools
2024
Dr. Eric Melbye
Bloomington Public Schools
2023
Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams
Eastern Carver County Schools
2021
Dr. Theresa Battle
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District
2019
Dr. Dave Webb
South St. Paul Public Schools
2018
Willie Jett
St. Cloud Area Public Schools
