Director of Communications & Public Relations
Alyssa Patrick
Mrs. Alyssa Patrick is the Director of Communications & Public Relations for Decatur Public Schools.
Mrs. Patrick joined the DPS61 family in August of 2025. Prior to joining DPS61 she worked for more than 12 years as a local news reporter and anchor. Her work took her to cities across the country including Biloxi, Mississippi; Charleston, West Virginia; El Paso, Texas and most recently in Decatur.
Mrs. Patrick was born and raised in New Jersey. She is a proud graduate of Syracuse University.
Mrs. Patrick is married and has two young children. She enjoys spending time with her family, visiting local parks and exploring all that central Illinois has to offer.
Department Overview
The Director of Communications and Public Relations is responsible for leading all internal and external communication efforts for the school district. This role ensures consistent, transparent, and effective messaging across multiple platforms to support the district’s mission and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities include the development and distribution of district-wide communications, media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations initiatives. The Director also serves as the official spokesperson for the District and the Board of Education, managing all press inquiries and media coverage.
The Director oversees the management of all DPS websites and social media accounts, ensuring timely and accurate information is accessible to students, families, staff, and the broader community. A core part of the role involves fostering strong, collaborative relationships among internal and external stakeholders to promote a positive image of the district.
Additionally, the Director plans and coordinates special district events that celebrate and showcase the achievements of DPS students and staff, reinforcing the district’s commitment to excellence and community pride.