12-15-2008
Today was an interesting in the Bend LaPine School District. First there was the single digit temperatures. It was very cold which resulted in the diesel fuel used in the buses becoming like gel. With the buses grounded school had to be canceled for kids but not for the principal of the school (me). I had to make sure everything at the school was a-ok.
During the day, while I was making sure everything was “a-ok”, I also monitored my Twitter account. Since Twitter is blocked by our filter I was using PeopleBrowser to stay up to date. I noticed my Bend followers were concerned about how the school district announced the school closure. Believe me, the district was put in a bind. It wasn’t until late in the morning that the bus issue arose and no matter what communicating the news to all the parents and students was going to be difficult. Radio, TV, web, robocalls – these mediums were all used. But what about using Twitter? I realize not everyone uses or even has heard of Twitter but there is a small percentage of Bend residents who monitor their Twitter accounts regularly via their computer or phone. It was recommended by one Twitter follower that the school district should have a Twitter account. Kind of hard since Twitter is blocked by our filter. It was only because I was on PeopleBrowser that I was able to monitor this conversation – and who knows how long that will be open.
So what does all of this have to do with Twitterland to the rescue? Well the tweets kept going back and forth. When the district announced a 2 hr delay for the next day I sent out a tweet with that news. Bam! – several tweets came back with thanks for keeping them posted and updated. Then, via Twitter, one follower @SarahCofer organized a cupcake & hot chocolate brigade to surprise and thank the mechanics who were pulling some long, cold hours at the bus garage – Twitterland to the rescue!
The bus difficulties made the headlines of our small local TV news. I understand this was a big story but I think almost equally newsworthy was the power of the Twitter network in spreading the news and organizing a treat for the mechanics. Way to go Twitter!
