Vol. XV · No. 268 Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 Spring, Texas

The Elbert Dispatch

Justin Elbert, APR, PIO · 15 years in Texas public education · Former journalism teacher · Maker of apps

Build Desk
  • framily Friend-group scheduling for iPhone and the web at myframily.app
  • Grounding Quest A 90-second noticing game for teens, in development for iPhone
  • Calmer Coming soon
  • Beacon Torch Screen-to-camera file transfer in testing; flashlight beacon mode is next
  • DistrictMapper School information for families, at districtmapper.com

Profile / Spring, Texas

15 years of telling public schools’ stories

Justin Elbert, APR, PIO, spent 15 years in Texas public school communications, from a high school journalism classroom to leading a district communications team.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION A schoolhouse, printed in halftone. Hover over it, or tap it, for a closer look through the loupe.

SPRING, Texas — Justin Elbert spent 15 years in Texas public education, first in the classroom and then in district communications.

He started as a journalism teacher at Klein Collins High School, where he advised student publications and founded the campus film society and broadcast program.

He then moved into communications at Klein ISD and rose to executive director of communications. He led a 12-member team supporting 52 campuses, more than 52,000 students and more than 9,000 staff members.

For nearly 12 years, he also served as public information officer for the Klein ISD Police Department, speaking for the district during emergencies including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic.

His team built a district newsroom that drew more than 500,000 visitors a month and earned more than 100 state and national awards.

He is accredited in public relations, was named to NSPRA’s 35 Under 35 in 2020 and received TSPRA’s Most Valuable Member award in 2021.

Career

The Record

Fifteen years in Texas public education and school communications, most recent first.

  1. 2026–present

    PBK Architects

    Director of Communications, K-12

  2. 2022–2026

    Klein ISD

    Executive Director of Communications

    • Directed a 12-member team supporting 52 campuses, 52,000+ students and 9,000+ staff.
    • Launched an integrated newsroom and blog that grew past 500,000 monthly visitors.
    • Helped lead communications for successful school bond elections.
    • Led teams that earned more than 100 state and national awards.

  3. 2014–2026

    Klein ISD Police Department

    Public Information Officer

    • Nearly 12 years as official spokesperson and media liaison for the district and its police department.
    • Coordinated interagency messaging during safety threats and emergencies.
    • Spoke for the district during Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic.

  4. 2020–2022

    Klein ISD

    Director of External Communications

    • Managed districtwide PR and outreach campaigns and introduced media monitoring and analytics.
    • Led executive communications strategy for the superintendent.

  5. 2018–2020

    Klein ISD

    Assistant Director of Communications

    • Moved the department to zero-based budgeting to fund multimedia and press work.
    • Oversaw content for internal and external audiences.

  6. 2014–2018

    Klein ISD

    Community Relations & Education Foundation Manager

    • Launched mobile giving that grew recurring monthly donations.
    • Built the foundation’s website and coordinated events tied to the board’s goals.

  7. 2011–2014

    Klein Collins High School

    Student Publications Adviser

    • Guided more than 125 journalism students.
    • Wrote the journalism handbook used by five high schools.
    • Founded the KC Film Society and KCTV.

  8. 2011

    University of Houston

    Digital Library Technician

    • Digitized and cataloged rare books and trained 10 students in digital scanning.

  9. 2004–2008

    Stephen F. Austin State University

    B.A. in communications and criminal justice

    • Funded his education as a newspaper writer, photographer and photo editor.
    • Served as yearbook editor in chief and on the University President’s Advisory Council.

Speaking

Speaking and Honors

Twenty conference sessions for TSPRA, NSPRA, TASA/TASB and other education organizations, on topics from social media and fundraising to crisis communication, enrollment and AI, plus 50 awards for his work.

UpcomingOct. 2026txEDCONEverything Is Marketing Now: Winning Families in a School Choice World

Review / NSPRA 2026

Families Don’t Leave Schools. They Leave Experiences.

How Communications Leaders Stop Enrollment Loss and Win Trust Back

5.0 out of 5from 5 attendee ratings

“This was the best session of the conference. Thank you for sharing your work.”

“Great session! I left feeling energized with many new ideas for enrollment”

“Love all the ideas and the honest truths!”

Attendee comments from the NSPRA 2026 session evaluation

  1. 2026NSPRAFamilies Don’t Leave Schools. They Leave Experiences. How Communications Leaders Stop Enrollment Loss and Win Trust Back
  2. 2025TSPRABeyond the Buzz: How AI Amplifies School PR
  3. 2024TSPRAPR Is a Veritable Smorgasbord: Be the Templeton of Your Department
  4. 2023NSPRAChatGPT: Crafting Compelling Communication With Cutting-Edge AI Tech
  5. 2023TSPRAProviding Super Support for Your Superintendent
  6. 2022TSPRALearning to HUG & Not HATE the Haters
  7. 2021TSPRAIt’s Only a Crisis if You Aren’t Ready
  8. 2020INSPRAWorking Smarter, Not Harder: Tips for Success in Small PR Departments
  9. 2020TSPRAHas Your Social Media Become Antisocial?
  10. 2018NSPRAWeathering the Storm: Communication Before, During and After a Natural Disaster
  11. 2018TSPRAMissing Manpower 2.0
  12. 2017TSPRAMissing Manpower Revisited
  13. 2016NSFALeveraging Mobile Donations to Target Your Untapped Audience
  14. 2016TASA/TASBFlipping the Plan: Is Your Communication Plan Social-Ready?
  15. 2016Board2BoardLeveraging Mobile Donations to Target Your Untapped Audience
  16. 2016TEFN9 Easy Ways to Make Social Media Work for You
  17. 2016TEFNDesign Your Own Brochure (Featuring Photoshop & InDesign)
  18. 2016TSPRAMissing Manpower: Free and Cheap Tools to Fill the Gap
  19. 2016TSPRADon’t Call It a Drone: Dealing With Drones in the K-12 Setting
  20. 2015TEFNFundraising for Systemic Grant Programs: STEAM Express Mobile Classroom

C4 Honors and Credentials

  • APRAccredited in Public Relations
  • PIOPublic Information Officer certification
  • 35under35NSPRA honoree, 2020
  • MVMTSPRA Most Valuable Member, 2021
  • ◆TSPRA Crystal Award, photo portfolio
  • 107FAA Part 107 remote pilot, 2017
  • 8–12Texas educator: journalism, technology applications, ELAR, ESL
  • SFAB.A. in communications and criminal justice

C5 Awards

50 awards for school communications work, 2014–2025, most recent first. Most were team efforts, and teammates are credited with each one.

  • 3 Platinum
  • 9 Crystal
  • 30 Gold
  • 6 Silver
  • 2 Bronze

2025

  1. Anti-Drug Poster CampaignBest in Category

    Posters · Gold

    With Chelsea Ceballos, Jasmine Nguyen, Jessica Williams, Terencia Lee and Isabela Reyna

  2. Reaching for Gold

    Photo - Sports · Gold

    Individual entry

  3. The Gold StandardBest in Category

    Photo - Sports · Gold

    Individual entry

  4. The Gold Standard: Klein Collins Hurdler Sweeps 110m & 300m at State

    Published News or Feature · Silver

    With Marlon Torres

2024

  1. Klein District News – Back to School Edition

    Marketing Campaign · Gold

    With Chelsea Ceballos

  2. Klein ISD Anti-Drug Ambassadors

    Posters · Gold

    With Jasmine Nguyen and Chelsea Ceballos

  3. Klein ISD Photo Portfolio

    Photography Portfolio · Crystal, Commendation

    Individual entry

  4. Klein ISD District Website

    Website Template Driven · Gold

    With Kari Jernigan

2023

  1. Klein District News

    Printed Newsletter · Gold

    With Chelsea Ceballos

  2. Klein, Texas is Home

    Marketing Campaign · Crystal, Certificate of Merit

    With Chelsea Ceballos

  3. Friday Night Lights: Pride and Passion

    Photo - Sports · Bronze

    Individual entry

2021

  1. Thank you, #KleinFamily!

    Video Marketing · Gold

    With Marlon Torres

  2. All Roads Lead Home: Celebrating the Class of 2021

    Platinum Award, Certificate of Merit

    With Dayna Hernandez, Chelsea Ceballos, Jasmine Nguyen, Nicole Mitchell and Kari Jernigan

  3. 2020 Virtual Klein Family Kickoff

    Video Live Event · Silver

    With Marlon Torres

  4. COVID-19 Dashboard

    Web Site Original Design · Gold

    Individual entry

  5. Klein On-Campus Simulation Day

    Education Good News Campaign · Gold

    With Rachel Trotter, Nicole Mitchell and Lindsey Yancey

  6. Klein ISD: A District of Distinction

    Video Documentary · Gold

    With Lindsey Yancey and Nicole Mitchell

  7. Choosing Your Path to Purpose

    Video Live Event · Silver

    With Lindsey Yancey and Nicole Mitchell

2020

  1. Results Focused Annual Performance Report

    Annual Report · Bronze

    With Chelsea Ceballos, Nicole Mitchell and Rachel Trotter

  2. Klein District News

    External Newsletter · Gold

    With Chelsea Ceballos

  3. Klein ISD Senior Celebration

    Special Event · Gold

    With Chelsea Ceballos, Nicole Mitchell and Rachel Trotter

  4. Together

    Video Feature Story · Gold

    With Marlon Torres

  5. KleinISDGrad Website

    Web Site Original Design · Gold

    With Kari Jernigan

  6. #musicallyinKLEINedBest in Category

    Social Media Campaign · Gold

    With Nicole Mitchell, Rachel Trotter, Kari Jernigan and Chelsea Ceballos

2017

  1. Promise2Purpose

    Marketing Campaign · Crystal, Commendation

    With Judy Rimato, Kate Hope, Chelsea Ceballos, Denise McLean and Kim Foster

  2. Summer Graduation LIVE: Social CampaignBest in Category

    Social Media Campaign · Gold

    With Judy Rimato, Kate Hope, Chelsea Ceballos, Denise McLean and Kim Foster

  3. Entering with a Promise: A District Transformation

    Platinum Award

    With Judy Rimato, Kate Hope, Chelsea Ceballos, Denise McLean and Kim Foster

  4. Klein LIVE (Klein Cain HS)

    Video Live Event · Silver

    With Kim Foster

  5. Crossing the LineBest in Category

    Video Documentary · Gold

    With Judy Rimato and Kate Hope

  6. Promise2Purpose Vision Website

    Website Template Driven · Gold

    Individual entry

  7. Our Promise2Purpose Journey

    Photography Portfolio · Crystal, Certificate of Merit

    With Chelsea Ceballos

2016

  1. Klein ISD Emergency Flood Relief Center

    School/Community Partnership · Crystal, Certificate of Merit

    With Judy Rimato, Kate Hope, Chelsea Ceballos, Denise McLean and Kim Foster

  2. Klein ISD Superintendent Retirement Reception

    District Special Event/Celebration · Crystal, Commendation

    With Judy Rimato, Kate Hope, Chelsea Ceballos, Denise McLean and Kim Foster

  3. 2016 Klein ISD Staff Banquet – Lights, Camera, & Appreciation

    Staff/Student Recognition · Crystal, Commendation

    With Judy Rimato, Kate Hope, Chelsea Ceballos, Denise McLean and Kim Foster

2015

  1. Every Child Future Ready – Klein ISD Annual Report

    Annual Report · Gold

    With Judy Rimato, Denise McLean, Justin Keith and Kate Hope

  2. Klein ISD Education Foundation Logo Package

    Image/Identity Package · Gold

    With Cindy Doyle

  3. STEAM Express Mobile Classroom Trailer Wrap

    Original Art · Gold

    With Cindy Doyle

  4. Looking into the Eyes of the Future

    Photo - Other Subjects · Gold

    With Cindy Doyle

  5. Help Bring Our Robots Home – Online Crowd Funding Campaign

    Social Media Campaign · Gold

    With Cindy Doyle

  6. Klein ISD Education Foundation Website

    Web Site Original Design · Gold

    With Cindy Doyle

  7. Annual Giving Donor Brochure

    Brochure · Gold

    With Cindy Doyle and Justin Keith

  8. All Aboard the STEAM Express

    Platinum Award, Certificate of Merit

    With Cindy Doyle and Justin Keith

  9. Deep Roots, Strong Branches, Future Ready

    Magazine · Gold

    With Judy Rimato and Denise McLean

  10. The Spirit of 76 Percent: A Bond Blueprint Success Story

    Bond Elections · Crystal, Certificate of Merit

    With Judy Rimato, Denise McLean, Justin Keith and Kate Hope

  11. Klein to the Future

    Staff/Student Recognition · Crystal, Certificate of Merit

    With Judy Rimato, Denise McLean, Justin Keith and Kate Hope

  12. Aligned for Success

    Photo - Other Subjects · Gold

    Individual entry

  13. We Will Stay Strong

    Published News or Feature · Silver

    Individual entry

  14. Klein ISD Path Identity Package

    Image/Identity Package · Gold

    With Justin Keith

  15. Paint the Community with Peace

    Social Media Campaign · Gold

    With Kate Hope

2014

  1. A.K. Buddy Brown Golf Classic

    Logo, Trademark, Symbol · Silver

    Individual entry

The Build Desk

Personal Projects

Apps and software Justin builds on his own time. Each project is printed in its own colors, and most of them do something when you touch them.

Personal projects, independent of any employer.

Pull-out 1 of 5iPhone and web

framily

Less scheduling. More friends.

Your group chat keeps saying “we should get together.” With framily, your friend group can see when everyone is free at the same time and turn that overlap into an actual plan: dinner, brunch, game night, whatever.

Friends without an iPhone join from a browser. No ads, no ad tracking and no account to create. That little bar across the f? It’s the one block on everyone’s calendar that became a plan.

Pick a mood to re-skin this insert
Visit myframily.app

Find a time

Tap your row to change when you’re free.

The Find a time screen in framily on iPhone, listing Saturday evenings when all eight friends can make it.
Pull-out 2 of 5iPhone · In development

Grounding

Grounding Quest

When your head’s loud, take 90 seconds to land back in the room.

Grounding Quest turns the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise into a quiet sensory scavenger hunt for teens 13 and older. Use the camera, the microphone or just tap. It is designed to be private, offline and account-free: a wellness tool, never a treatment.

Try a round. Look around you, then tap a dot for each thing you notice.

    • No accounts or network calls
    • Nothing to keep up with and no timers
    • Help is always one tap away
    Pull-out 3 of 5Status: Embargoed

    For immediate release

    Embargoed until: it’s ready

    Calmer

    SPRING, Texas — Justin Elbert today declined to announce █████████, a new project that will ██████████████ for people who ███████████.

    “Any PR person will tell you: you don’t announce until you’re ready,” a source close to the project said, from the same chair as Justin.

    Details about Calmer are under embargo until launch.

    ###

    Request early access
    Pull-out 4 of 5iPhone · Screen mode in testing

    Move your flashlight around the dark

    Beacon Torch

    An optical data link between iPhones. No radio required.

    Beacon Torch sends text, photos and files from one phone’s screen to another phone’s camera as a rapid stream of fountain-coded QR frames. In simulation, the receiver can join mid-stream and missed frames don’t matter. Every transfer is checked end to end before anything is shown.

    Next up: beacon mode, which blinks short messages, coordinates or keys with the flashlight, across a field, at night, in airplane mode.

    Screen → camera A never-ending stream of frames. Catch any of them.

    0 frames sent

    Torch → camera Type a short message and send it by light.

    Ready. Slowed to 6 symbols a second, which keeps it within the web’s limit of three flashes a second.

    Pull-out 5 of 5Web · Live

    School information for families

    DistrictMapper

    Which school serves this address?

    Families ask the same questions every year: Which school serves this address? How do these schools compare? What programs are available? DistrictMapper puts those answers in one connected, accessible system.

    • SchoolMap
    • SchoolCompare
    • ProgramDirectory

    A personal project, independent of any employer.

    Visit districtmapper.com
    All schoolsElementaryMiddle

    Attendance-zone result

    Click the map to drop a pin.

    Sample district. Made-up schools, real idea.

    Letters

    Contact

    About the apps

    Questions or feedback about framily, Grounding Quest, Calmer or Beacon Torch? Send a note.

    justin.elbert@gmail.com

    Project sites

    DistrictMapper questions go through districtmapper.com.