OAK HILL, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Tuesday afternoon, the Fayette County Board of Education held a luncheon, inviting staff and media to discuss how the two entities can facilitate an open relationship and work together this coming school year.
Reporters with WVNS, WOAY, Lootpress, WVVA, The Register-Herald and attended, as well as representatives from local radio stations.
During the lunch, principals, assistant principals and other school leaders were able to candidly discuss their concerns with the media and vice versa.
Topics of conversation included knowing what is newsworthy, how media can contact school personnel, working with the media’s deadlines, a fear of having a negative perception due to an unsavory article, knowing when it’s okay to film students, etc.
With one media representative per table, attendees were able to work in small groups to find solutions to these problems. Each table’s solutions were shared with the room after a few minutes of discussion.
Fayette County Superintendent Gary Hough said he organized Tuesday’s luncheon to make sure the county’s schools and the media are working together to accurately inform the general public on what is going in inside the school system.
“I think it’s important to let the general public know what is happening in Fayette County Schools,” Hough said. “I think Fayette County wants that information to go out, and I don’t think there needs to be question marks.”
Hough continued, stating that sometimes misinformation can cause more problems for all of those involved- staff, media, students, etc.- so it is imperative his staff work with the local media to circulate the correct narrative.
“If we just directly give that information whether we are happy with that information or not happy to let the general public know what is going on.”
The meeting proved to be beneficial for both sides and concluded with school personnel informing the media of potential stories to look out for as the 2021-2022 school year approaches.
