The Communications and Marketing Department supports Roanoke City Public Schools students, staff, and schools by sharing timely stories and information with the community.

RCPS values transparency and believes in open and honest communication. The Communications & Marketing Department is committed to responding as quickly as possible to media representatives while also protecting the privacy of our students and employees. RCPS values its longstanding partnership with local media, and this Media Guide serves as a tool to support media partners.

Media Inquiries

All media inquiries should be directed to the Communications & Marketing Department at [email protected] or by calling (540) 853.2816, including:

• Interviews
• Photos
• Statements

Records Requests

Public records requests under the Freedom for Information Act should be submitted to FOIA Officer Dr. Alan Seibert via email at [email protected].info or via telephone at (540) 853.2007. Visit bit.ly/RCPSRecords for complete FOIA guidelines.

Access to School Property

• Except for public meetings, media representatives must always seek permission to enter or videotape/photograph on Roanoke City Public Schools property.
• Members of the media will always be escorted by an RCPS employee while on school property.
• All visitors, including media, are required to check in through the visitor management system in the school's lobby. To check in, media representatives should bring a valid driver's license or government-issued ID.

RCPS Newsroom

RCPS maintains a newsroom on the division website to showcase exciting happenings across the division. The newsroom may be accessed at rcps.info/news.

General Guidelines

• Interviews and photograph requests with students or employees must be arranged through the Communications & Marketing Department.
• Students must have a signed media release on file to be featured in the news media, in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Names, interviews, and/or photos/videos of students may not be published without first receiving permission from the Communications & Marketing Department.
• Media representatives are invited to attend all open meetings of the Roanoke City School Board and other public bodies. Media may film and/or record these meetings. Copies of the agenda, informational items, and other meeting materials are available online at bit.ly/RCPSBoardDocs.

Athletics

• We invite coverage of our high schools' athletic achievements. To arrange interviews or be granted access to attend sporting events, please contact our high school athletic directors:

  Patti Sheedy
  Athletic Director, Patrick Henry High School
  [email protected] | O: (540) 853.1190 | C: (540) 353-6839

  Jamie Bednarek
  Athletic Director, William Fleming High School
  [email protected]| O: (540) 853.2887

• Athletic directors should only be contacted for coverage related directly to sporting events and athletic achievements. Reporters must contact the Communications & Marketing Department for any other coverage.

RCPS Fact Sheet

Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) serves approximately 14,000 students in grades pre-K through 12. RCPS provides an inclusive and equitable, student-centered culture that empowers lifelong learning. Through meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities, RCPS will empower all students to dream, excel, and meet their full potential to benefit our city and its citizens.

RCPS has 17 elementary schools, five middle schools, two high schools, and four alternative/program schools. The school system also operates summer programs.

RCPS is led by Superintendent Verletta White, who was appointed by the School Board in summer 2020.

The School Board is comprised of seven members who are appointed by Roanoke City Council. The Board meets twice a month, once for a regular meeting and again for a workshop. Regular meetings are alternately held at Patrick Henry and William Fleming High Schools. Workshops are held in the Media Center of Central Office (40 Douglass Ave. NW), unless otherwise noted. The Board’s calendar and meeting guidelines can be found by visiting the RCPS website at rcps.info and clicking on "School Board/Policies."

Social Media

The Communications & Marketing Department manages the division-level social media accounts, including:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoanokeCityPublicSchools
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoanokeSchools
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roanokeschools/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RoanokeCityPublicSchools
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roanokecityschools

We encourage local reporters and news outlets to follow our social media for story ideas and highlights of exciting things happening in Roanoke City Public Schools.

Site Reference Guidelines

The table below lists proper names and references.

RCPS Media Contacts

Claire Mitzel
Coordinator of Communications & Public Relations
O: (540) 853.6164 | C: (540) 355.9035 | [email protected]

Kelly Sandridge
Chief Communications & Community Engagement Officer
O: (540) 853.2905 | C: (540) 819.0477 | [email protected]