Vazquez named a 2023 Superintendent to Watch

Dr. Maria Vazquez has been selected as a 2023 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. Vazquez joins just 24 other superintendents nationwide who were selected for the honor in recognition of their innovative and effective use of technology to engage and inform the school community, and to expand two-way communication and outreach efforts.

“I am honored to have been selected as a Superintendent to Watch by NSPRA, said Dr. Maria Vazquez, Orange County Public Schools superintendent. “Even before becoming a superintendent, I valued communication with stakeholders. No matter what position I was in, listening, learning and engaging with staff, students and parents was extremely important to me.”

Vazquez has increased transparency by using new tools to gather input and communicate with families. She uses weekly videos, social media, communication platforms and in-person visits to increase her accessibility to staff and the public.

In June 2022, as deputy superintendent, she piloted the ThoughtExchange online crowdsourcing tool with a staff survey. After becoming superintendent, she began inviting OCPS staff, students, parents and the community to provide feedback on a large range of topics through ThoughtExchange, allowing her to easily see what issues raised the most concerns across small and large groups and communities.

She has hosted more than 50 in-person Town Hall meetings, engaging in open dialogue with constituents around the county. The feedback she has received during the meetings has provided the school district with an opportunity to implement disciplinary changes and have more support at schools.

“This year’s honorees understand the critical role that effective, two-way communication plays in building trust with students, families, employees and community members,” said NSPRA executive director Barbara M. Hunter.

NSPRA had more than 70 nominations this year. Since the 2015-16 school year, NSPRA has recognized 152 school district leaders as Superintendents to Watch. Honorees must have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent and demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.