Social media posts, important announcements, informational emails, and event photos – all of the communication that serves the district’s community in order to keep every person informed, spotlighted and updated.
Every integral piece of media and information that illustrates Owl excellence and culture is created and curated by one person behind the scenes.
Kyle Heimbigner is the Coordinator of Communications and Public Relations for the school district. Heimbigner serves as the district’s public voice across multiple platforms. From crafting campus-wide emails, to maintaining the district’s website, Heimbigner’s crucial role blends organization, creativity and culture.
Heimbigner started out his career in communications initially as what he is surrounded by now– a student.
“I started writing for the school newspaper, and I was part of the yearbook for a couple of years,” he said. “I really enjoyed writing, especially opinion pieces revolving around national collegiate and professional sports. Once I realized that, I focused on making that my career.”
After initially starting off as a Journalism major, Heimbigner changed his degree plan. He wanted to stay under the communications career pathway, and ultimately found himself under a public relations degree plan. Regardless, Heimbigner continued to gain experience within journalism.
“I graduated from [Washington State University] without a job, moved back home, and then moved right back to Pullman (where WSU is located) a month later after getting a website and social media-focused job in the WSU athletic department,” Heimbigner said. “During this time, I picked up photography and web design, two things I do to this day. I would write copy, take photos and make graphics for the main WS athletic department social media channels and website. I had a hand in multiple items that ended up on ESPN, with a couple being featured in the SportsCenter Top-10.”
Heimbigner soon after went to Texas A&M University for graduate school, pursuing a sports management degree. While at TAMU, he worked for a multitude of sports teams by doing photography, creating social media content and tracking team analytics. All of the experience he gained during his collegiate career led him to eventually working within school districts before he started working for Joshua ISD in February of 2023.
“I oversee the communications department and all of its endeavors. In a nutshell, I manage public relations projects, including writing, social media, graphic design, photography, video production, web design, email communications and more. I am responsible for internal and external marketing efforts and the communications goals of the district. This can take the form of basically anything communications-related under the sun,” Heimbigner said.
Working within the district, Heimbigner curates everything that students, staff, and community would see on behalf of the district. A majority of the photos are taken by Heimbigner himself, which means he is always on the go to make it from campus to campus for each event. His schedule is dependent on seasonal events, like certain sports and graduation.
“There are a few times of the year that are busier… The week or two before the start of the school year can be busy because of the Meet the Teacher and orientation events that I try to get to, as well as communicating any district-level or state-level changes for the new school year,” Heimbigner said. “The start of this current year was extra busy with all the new laws going into effect. The month of May is also busy, with all the end-of-year events. Again, those are scheduled, so I am able to shift other responsibilities around as needed.“
Aside from simply taking photos and posting on social media, Heimbigner also develops and sends staff-wide emails that help people stay informed about what’s going on during the school day. He also manages the Joshua ISD website, which helps connect, inform and engage staff and students.
“I create informational publications such as brochures, flyers, newsletters and other print or digital publications as needed,” Heimbigner said. “Other things I coordinate for the district are internal and external messaging campaigns, public information requests, the district’s digital flyerboard, Peachjar, system and some internal and external surveys. I assist in some district event planning and am also the point of contact for media outlets. I also livestream the school board meetings.”
Heimbigner’s job is more than just publishing and distributing. It’s about telling the stories of the individuals who show exemplary achievements and represent the district standard. Whether it’s a big football win, a well earned award or an event to bring students together, Heimbigner is there to capture and display Owl excellence for all to see.
“I want to tell the good stories, the stories of hard work and achievement that might go unnoticed,” Heimbigner said. “Thankfully, in Joshua ISD, there are so many great stories to tell. The students and staff in this district keep me busy, but in the best possible way.”
