Crisis to Clarity: Being the Calm during the Chaos
Date: 7/21/2026
Time: 4 - 5 PM
Room: Grand Salon 15 & 18 (Floor 1)
Skill Session - Live lecture, panel discussion or interactive session with time for Q&A. 60-minutes.
TACTICS–Tactics, activities and tools in communications
Session Description
School systems experience crises of varying sizes on a daily basis. Who does the communicating and how do we ensure it reaches the appropriate parties during a crisis? How do we address misinformation? In this unique presentation, hear two real-world case studies and explore actual, tangible responses of our school system. Attendees will focus on developing or strengthening both a crisis communication plan, crisis communication blurbs, and an effective responsible transparency framework. As a leader in your school system, leave this session prepared to guide administrators for both the "ifs" and "whens" during chaotic situations that need clear, effective, and transparent communication.
Presenter(s)
Karin Butyn
Director of Public Relations
Ohio County Schools (WV)
Karin Butyn has worked in the educational field as a teacher, administrator, and now central office administrator for the last dozen years. Butyn's current role serves as the Director of Public Relations for Ohio County Schools. In this role, she has focused on strengthening the connections of the public school system and community, increasing responsible transparency, and ensuring the school system celebrates and highlights the daily work of students and staff with an #everythingmatters motto. Butyn, an office of one, has helped to evolve Ohio County Schools into a place where nearly 5,000 students and 1,000 staff members feel at "home." LinkedIn Profile
