CLAY COUNTY –The Sunshine State Public Relations Association recognized Superintendent Addison Davis as the 2019 Communicator of the Year.

SUNSPRA is an organization dedicated to improving communication throughout school districts as a way to improve educational quality. At the Florida School Boards Association Annual Joint Conference in Tampa on Dec. 6, the organization awarded Davis with the Communicator of the Year title that demonstrates Davis’ dedication to open and year-round communication internally with staff and externally with parents.

“I am thrilled to accept this award from the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association,” Davis said. “As the Superintendent of Clay County School District schools for the last three years, I have made a focused and diligent effort to communicate effectively and efficiently with all stakeholders in my community.”

This award signifies excellence in communication and outstanding leadership, according to SUNSPRA. It also demonstrates that Davis supports communications by allocating a portion of the budget to the program and for staff and board training, according to SUNSPRA.

“I am thankful for the work that SUNSPRA does to provide professional development and networking opportunities to our districts so we can all work together to make a difference in our communities,” Davis said.

SUNSPRA describes the award as a way to recognize educational leaders that practice key communication techniques such as empowering staff, working with the community, interacting with the media and building partnerships with other entities while also practicing skills such as ethics, honesty, openness and the ability to listen.

“Now, more than ever, we must engage internal and external audiences on many different platforms to keep them informed and to market our schools in an ever-changing landscape,” Davis said.

Public relations and communication is a vital part of the Clay County School District, according to Addison. It’s how the district is able to best understand the needs of the community, he said.

Davis, his staff and the Clay County School Board will meet on Dec. 12 for the final regular school board meeting of the year at 6 p.m. in the Teacher In Service Training Center at Fleming Island High.