Communications

Staying connected with our families, staff and community is a top priority. We use a variety of tools to keep you informed, engaged and up to date on what’s happening across the District. Here’s how we share news, updates and important information:

• Social media
• District eNews
• District website
• Inside Clayton community magazine
• SchoolMessenger (for parent/staff emails, phone calls and/or text messages)
• In-person events/meetings

View more information about how we communicate

The School District of Clayton values the role of the media in sharing news about our schools, programs, students and staff. The Communications department is here to assist media representatives by providing timely, accurate information and helping to coordinate requests. We aim to be responsive and work within media deadlines whenever possible. 

All media requests to interview, photograph or film District employees, students or Board members should be directed to:
Gina Tarte, Chief Communications Officer
314.854.6015
ginatarte@claytonschools.net

Once a request has been submitted, you can expect a response regarding the appropriate spokesperson to answer your questions. Please note that student interviews or photos require parental consent and will be scheduled at a District-designated location to minimize classroom disruption.
 

Guidelines While on Campus 
To maintain a safe and productive learning environment, media visits to school buildings must be arranged through the Communications Department. A member of the team will accompany media on-site during any filming, interviews or photography sessions.

As with all visitors, media must sign in and wear a visitor pass, available at the front office of each building.

Guidelines for Board of Education Meetings
Members of the media are welcome at all open Board of Education meetings. Filming and audio recording are permitted, but reporters and photographers should not approach board members, speakers or attendees during the meeting. Interviews should be conducted outside the boardroom (in the hallway or a designated space).

Agendas and meeting materials are available on the Board’s e-governance platform, accessible via www.claytonschools.net. Board meetings are also available online via the District’s YouTube channel.  

Guidelines in the Event of an Emergency
In an emergency, the District works to share accurate information promptly while protecting the privacy of students and staff and not interfering with emergency response efforts. Media will not be permitted inside affected buildings but will be directed to a designated area nearby. All emergency-related media inquiries must go through the Communications Department.

The School District of Clayton values open dialogue and is committed to upholding freedom of expression, including posts that express disagreement or criticism. We welcome comments, questions and engagement across our social media platforms.

To maintain a respectful and safe environment for all users, the District may hide or report user-generated content and block individuals if a post violates our social media guidelines.

Content may be blocked or removed if: 

• It is off subject or out of context.
• Contains material that is abusive, defamatory, offensive, obscene or involves personal insults or attacks.
• Includes language that is profane or provocative, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive or derogatory, threatening, obscene or sexually explicit.
• Contains personally identifying or sensitive personal information and/or discusses District students or personnel in a way that is inappropriate for a public forum.
• Is threatening, harassing or discriminatory.
• Incites or promotes violence or illegal activities.
• Contains information or false information that could reasonably compromise individual or public safety.
• Is in violation of the intellectual property rights of another.
• Advertises or promotes a commercial product or service, or any entity or individual.
• Promotes or endorses political campaigns or candidates.

Please note that we do not endorse, nor are we responsible for, the accuracy of the information, opinions, claims or advice shared by other users on a social media platform.