Justin Elbert

Justin Elbert brings more than 15 years of experience in Texas public schools to his role as Director of K-12 Education at PBK. A former classroom teacher and longtime district communications leader, Justin understands the pressures school leaders face, from earning community trust to competing for enrollment in an increasingly crowded school choice landscape. At PBK, he works with districts across the country to strengthen how they connect with families, staff, and the communities they serve.

Before joining PBK, Justin spent nearly 15 years at Klein ISD, where he rose from Student Publications Adviser at Klein Collins High School to Executive Director of Communications. There, he led a 12-member team supporting more than 50,000 students across 52 campuses, launched an integrated district newsroom that grew to more than 500,000 monthly visitors, and helped lead communications for successful school bond elections. For 12 years, he also served as Public Information Officer for the Klein ISD Police Department, guiding the district through Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and campus emergencies with timely, transparent communication. Under his leadership, his teams earned more than 100 state and national awards.

Justin is a frequent presenter for TSPRA, NSPRA, and TASA/TASB on topics including crisis communication, enrollment marketing, social media, and AI. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is Accredited in Public Relations (APR), a certified Public Information Officer, and holds Texas educator certifications. He was named to NSPRA’s 35 Under 35 in 2020 and received TSPRA’s Most Valuable Member award in 2021.