Bloomington Public Schools
Rick J. Kaufman, APR, currently serves as the Executive Director of Community Relations and Emergency Management for Bloomington (MN) Public Schools since August 2007, directing communications and community engagement initiatives while acting as the chief spokesperson. Kaufman also operates a crisis and public relations consulting firm, Kaufman & Associates, since 2000, and possesses extensive experience in public engagement from previous roles including Executive Director of Public Engagement and Communications for Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado. A recognized authority in crisis management, Kaufman has contributed significantly to national discussions on public relations as a past president of NSPRA and WSPRA. Additional experience includes serving as a FEMA Field Coordinator following Hurricane Katrina and an extensive background in community relations and media through various educational and public service roles, complemented by a Master's degree in Public Relations from Marquette University. In addition to professional endeavors, Kaufman is a vocalist and percussionist with The Tuxedo Band.
Bloomington Public Schools
Students are at the center of everything we do. Bloomington Public Schools empowers and prepares learners of all ages to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The district consists of 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, a K-12 online school, two early childhood centers, alternative learning programs and specialized academic programs. Preparing students for the future is no small task. Bloomington Public Schools develops personalized learning opportunities for children from birth to age 21 in a comprehensive framework known as Pathways to Career and College, guided by a Personal Growth Plan (PGP) focusing on academics, life and social skills, and career and college planning. Specialized programs include elementary and middle school Computer Science Immersion schools; Computer Science for All, offering all K-12 students opportunities for lessons in computer science, the Elements and Dimensions Academy (DA) programs for students in grades 2-8 with exceptional academic skills and DA High School STEM or humanities tracks; the Career and College Academy offers high school students college level courses in select in-demand career areas for dual college and high school credit to help meet the demand of today’s workforce. Students have many options to earn college credits in high school through concurrent enrollment, Advanced Placement, Post Secondary Enrollment Option and College in the Schools courses. Bloomington, Minnesota, United States.