In a city as large as Cranston, people well known in one section of the community may not be as recognizable in another area.

Jennifer Cowart is an exception. She is known across the city, particularly in Cranston Public Schools.

In addition to her work as an award-winning, freelance education reporter for the Cranston Herald for more than 10 years, Cowart has served as a Rhode Island Department of Education communications ambassador. She is also a former elementary school teacher and the mother of three girls, one who recently graduated from the city’s schools and two who are still in the district.

Now, Cowart has taken on a new role as a communications specialist for Cranston Public Schools. She began in the position in early August, while she continues to contribute to the Herald both as a freelance writer and on behalf of the district. Cowart’s pieces submitted for the district will be noted as “Special to the Herald” and include her official title.

“School communications have changed greatly over the years as technology has improved, and with the new regulations in place in Rhode Island which allow students to choose to attend high schools outside of their home district, we have a lot of families outside of our city looking at and attending our schools,” she said. “One of my goals is to make sure accurate information about the goings on in our district is getting out to the students, their families, the community and the media in a variety of ways since not everyone accesses their information the same way. Some rely on social media and other online resources, while others rely on more traditional means."

During the 2018-19 school year, Cowart worked with school leaders from all across the state to help address stumbling blocks in the areas of school communications in her role as a RIDE communications ambassador.

“I was given a problem to solve at the beginning of my tenure as a RIDE ambassador, to help districts identify where their communications problems lie,” she said. “The tool kit I created is designed to work for all districts across the state and be utilized by teacher leaders, building administrators and district leaders.”

Cowart said she will utilize that experience – as well as her extensive knowledge of Cranston’s schools as a parent and journalist – in her new role with the district.

“It was always important to me that the public be aware of all the great things happening in our schools,” she said. “As someone who spent a great deal of time in all of the schools, I considered myself to be a resource for others who were looking for information, and as a member of the media, especially in this day and age, it was important to me that they be able to count on me to share things that were truthful and accurate.”

Cowart said she had complete support at home when she broached the idea of applying for this new position with the school district.

“My family was excited for me because they know how much I love education, and how much I love being part of the Cranston community as a parent and as a reporter. They felt this was a good time for me to take the next steps in my career in this new position,” she said.

Cowart went through the interview process with all the other applicants, but Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse said her experience and interview clearly made her the best candidate for the job.

“Jen’s experience as a teacher, parent, community member, RIDE ambassador and journalist combine to provide CPS with a wealth of knowledge and relevant insights,” Nota-Masse said. “She has the perspective as both an educator and a parent who has had three children in our public schools, which is a significant advantage in providing useful information to our community. While her experience is important, Jen has the utmost integrity and a reputation for proving accurate information at all times. I am confident she will be able to share our history, mission, news and goals with our community and those who live outside of Cranston as well.”