Leveraging Today’s Social Media

Leveraging Today’s Social Media: Its Role in School District Improvement and Success chronicles the experiences of two superintendents, Mark Benigni and Jeff Solan, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of social media in their respective school districts. Acknowledging the concerns surrounding online safety and digital citizenship, the authors emphasize the crucial role of education in empowering students to thrive in the digital age.

Explore how schools can leverage social media to enhance student learning, from showcasing student work and facilitating college connections to improving communication with families and fostering community engagement. It provides practical guidance on implementing digital citizenship programs, developing appropriate social media policies, and harnessing the power of online platforms for recruitment, professional development, and operational efficiency.

Through their shared insights and real-world examples, Benigni and Solan offer a valuable resource for educators seeking to navigate the complexities of social media and unlock its potential to transform teaching and learning. They encourage exploring social media's potential in various school functions before jumping on the “ban” wagon.

Mark D. Benigni, EdD, is the award-winning, innovative superintendent of the Meriden Public Schools. He is recognized as a transformative leader whose communication strategies and community relations have led the district to national recognition for leveling the playing field for all students.

Barbara A. Haeffner is an assistant superintendent for teaching and innovation. She is known for leading digital transformation and creating student-centered learning environments where student voice and choice truly matter.

Susan O. Moore is director of instructional technology and curriculum for the Meriden Public Schools. She leads the district’s initiatives to ensure equitable access to digital resources and leverage technology to improve student outcomes. In 2023, she was honored as the National Chief Technology Officer of the Year by the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN).

Jeffrey F. Solan, EdD, has served as the superintendent of the Cheshire Public Schools since 2016. In that time, Cheshire has realized the highest academic achievement in the district’s history and engaged in the construction of two new schools. Jeffrey has recently fostered a relationship with the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education (GOE) in the Republic of Korea serving as a keynote speaker for their Future of Education Conference in Changwon in 2023. Cheshire has subsequently hosted several teachers from GOE in exchange programs through their schools.