MPS Executive Director Donnie Belcher wins School Communicator of the Year Award

Donnie Belcher, MPS executive director of communications and engagement, won the 2025 School Communicator of the Year Award from the Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA). 

The MinnSPRA School Communicator of the Year Award recognizes exemplary leadership of Minnesota’s superb communications professionals who demonstrate their commitment to strengthening relationships between their district, families and the community they serve. This award honors those who value communication as a crucial role for their stakeholders.

Update: On May 5, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) announced that Belcher is one of four finalists for the National School Communicator of the Year Award!

The national winner will be announced at the NSPRA 2025 National Seminar on July 21 in Washington, D.C. 

Belcher is a lifelong educator who taught in Chicago Public Schools for over a decade and now leads the MPS Communications and Engagement Department. She’s also a proud graduate of North High School! Read more about Donnie on the NSPRA website.

Donnie Belcher (center) and MPS colleagues at the MinnSPRA spring conference.

Check out the video MinnSPRA produced with Captivate Media in honor of Belcher's recognition: