MANSFIELD — Mansfield City Schools District Superintendent Stan Jefferson is a history buff.

He taught Social Studies and American History for 19 years.

He is drawing on that knowledge by taking inspiration from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who in 1933 began giving 33 weekly addresses to the nation about different American affairs during the Great Depression. FDR called these Fireside Chats, and historians note their impact during the Great Depression, bolstering spirits in a rugged era.

Jefferson has been leaving recorded messages each Sunday at 5 p.m. The addresses are roughly two to three minutes in length and are about current information in the district. They are made available to the public through a variety of outlets.

“We have emails, which we use and Leader Alerts, which we use and a number of different ways to communicate with our students and parents,” Jefferson said. “However, verbal communication is a very powerful way to communicate.”

To sign up for the chats, fill out the information at the bottom of the School Delays and Closings page on the district website.

“We use the chats for things like our strategic plan, and upcoming events,” Jefferson said. 

Those who miss the Fireside Chat phone call, can hear the address in their voicemails once set up correctly.

Jefferson said the more information those in the community know about the local district, the more united the community will be.

“I’ve had people tell me they look forward to hearing about different events and other current affairs going on in the district,” the superintendent said. “It’s our way of saying, we are one community.”