OHSPRA – Evan Debo, Executive Director of Communications for South Western City Schools, has been named the 2026 Ohio School Communicator of the Year by the Ohio School Public Relations Association (OHSPRA). The award was presented on April 23, 2026, during the annual OHSPRA Spring Conference in Westerville, Ohio.
Debo was selected for his outstanding leadership, innovative communication strategies, and unwavering dedication to connecting schools with their communities. Through his work in South Western City Schools, he has elevated the role of school communication, strengthened transparency, and served as a trusted voice in public education.
“Evan exemplifies the values of our profession,” said OHSPRA President Patrick Gallaway. “He leads with purpose, clarity, and heart. His work has made a meaningful difference in how families and staff experience their schools. He represents the very best of school communications in Ohio.”
Throughout his career, Debo has demonstrated a commitment to proactive storytelling, strategic engagement, and crisis communication excellence. His ability to build meaningful relationships with families, staff, students, and community stakeholders has helped foster trust and pride across one of Ohio’s largest school districts. Colleagues across the state recognize him as a collaborative leader who consistently shares best practices and supports the growth of the profession.
“Evan’s leadership has transformed how we tell our story as a district,” said Superintendent Randy Banks. “He brings a level of care, professionalism, and innovation that has strengthened connections across our schools and community. This recognition is a reflection of the impact he makes every day.”
The Ohio School Communicator of the Year award honors a communications professional who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation, and service to their school community and the field of school public relations. Debo’s selection reflects not only his impact within South Western City Schools, but also his contributions to advancing the profession across the state.
As Ohio’s honoree, Debo will be recognized nationally this summer by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) during its annual seminar in New Orleans, Louisiana moving on as a candidate for the National School Communicator of the Year Award. There, he will join fellow state award recipients from across the country in celebration of excellence in school communications.
#The Ohio School Public Relations Association (OHSPRA) is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting school communication professionals through professional development, networking, and the promotion of effective communication practices that strengthen public education.
SWCS Communications Department takes home State Honors
While the recognition highlights Debo’s leadership, it also reflects the collective work of a team committed to telling the story of South Western City Schools with authenticity and purpose. That team approach was evident at the April state OHSPRA conference where the Communications Department earned multiple honors across marketing, writing, video, photography and digital engagement.
Behind every story shared across South Western City Schools is a team dedicated to making sure the moments that matter are seen, celebrated and remembered.
The Communications Services Department is led by Evan Debo and includes Communications Specialist Meredith Ackerman, Multimedia Content Creator Katie Denis, Communications Secretary Karen Scott, Printer Dan Springer, and District Receptionist Brenda Goodrich. Each member plays a key role in capturing, creating, informing, and sharing the stories that define the district.
As a department, the team earned several Mark of Excellence awards, including:
- Marketing Materials:
- InspireU: Upskill Your Career
- Video:
- Principal Appreciation Month
- Paws on Patrol: New Staff Members Join WHS
- Falcon Fly By
- Photography:
- Friday Night Golden Hour
- E-Newsletter:
- #TheLead E-Newsletter
Mark of Distinction Awards for:
- Outstanding social media storytelling for the South Western City Schools’ Instagram and Facebook pages
- Photography:
- Highland Park Elementary School Garden
- SWCS Preschool Graduation Photo
- SWCS Educational Foundation Honor Orchestra Photo
- Writing:
- Marketing:
- Kindergarten Enrollment Welcome Video
- JROTC Cadets honor 9/11
- Why SWCS? New Hire Reflection Video
Top Honors
Finally, taking home top state honors, the team received two ‘Best of the Best awards’, including Best PR and Marketing Plan for Endless Opportunity: South Western City Schools Rebranding 2025 and in the Photography category for DWES Field Day: Splash into Summer.
SW Insider 