District survey results see decrease in scores

NEW LONDON – A survey of parents, students, and staff in the School District of New London conducted in the spring of this year saw the scores decrease for most of the items in the survey, but only slight decreases.
The New London Board of Education reviewed the results of the survey at the July 8 board meeting.
New London Superintendent Scott Bleck told the board that the most recent survey was completed by parents, students, and district staff. The spring survey was conducted during the final week of May, whereas the previous spring survey was conducted in February.
“Still gathering some quality data for us to bring forward,” Bleck said.
According to the Topic Summary Sheet (TSS) the purpose of the survey is to “gather meaningful stakeholder feedback that directly informs the District’s Continuous Improvement Strategic Plan.”

The survey results provide data on performance areas, including academics, engagement, support, student experience, and staff experience.
It was stated in the TSS, “These index scores help the District evaluate progress toward strategic priorities, identify areas of strength, and determine opportunities for continuous improvement. The findings will guide decision-making, resource allocation, and action planning at both the district and school levels.”
The survey asked participants to rate different statements from 1 to 5, with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 5 being “strongly agree.” Bleck said a score of 3 means the district is “meeting expectations.”

Parent survey
A total of 224 parents, which was a 12% response rate, completed the survey. In the survey for parents, the key indexes measured, the survey score, and percentage change from the previous score included:

• Informed – I am kept up to date on my child’s progress and what’s happening at school. (4.02; -1.5%)
• Included – I am welcomed, respected, and part of the school community. (4.02; -1.2%)
• Educational Excellence – My child’s school is effective in helping them learn, develop, and succeed. (3.79; -3.6%)
• Atmosphere – My child feels safe and supported at school. (4.04; -1.2%)
• Experience – My family is accepted, respected, and supported at school. (4.10; -1.2%)
The top three individual items that were scored included: School facilities are clean and well-kept (4.31; -1.8%), I feel welcome in my child’s school (4.26; -1.4%), and School staff treat my child with dignity and respect (4.19; -0.9%).
The bottom three individual items that were scored included: The district is heading in the right direction (3.61; -4.7%), I am satisfied with our school’s efforts to address bullying (3.57; -1.4%), and The school board is doing what it takes to make our district successful (3.44; -3.6%).
When parents were asked how likely they would be to recommend the district’s schools to a friend or family member, the score for the New London School District was 7.57 on a scale of 0-10 with 10 being “Extremely Likely.” The score represented a -1.8% change from the previous year. The score for each individual school in the district and percentage change are as follows: Lincoln Elementary School (7.14; +0.3%), Parkview Elementary School (7.49; -4.8%), Readfield Elementary School (7.53; -8.4%), Sugar Bush Elementary School (8.24; +9.0%), New London Intermediate Middle School (7.51; -5.2%), and New London High School (7.83; +3.0%).

Staff survey
A total of 216 district staff members, which was a 63% response rate, completed the survey. In the survey for district staff, the key indexes measured, the survey score, and percentage change from the previous score included:

• Academics – We are effective in teaching and supporting our students. (3.47; -1.7%)
• Engagement – I like working at this school because I am valued, heard, and can contribute. (3.70; -5.1%)
• Support – I have the support I need to help educate our students and work as a team. (3.89; -1.8%)
• Student Experience – Students are accepted, respected, and supported. (3.85; -1.3%)
• Staff Experience – Staff are accepted, respected, and supported at school. (3.80; -3.1%)
The top three individual items that were scored included: I have access to the technology support I need (4.42; +0.7%), I have healthy working relationships with my co-workers (4.40; -0.9%), and I feel safe at work (4.40; +0.2%).
The bottom three individual items that were scored included: Our staff handles student discipline in a consistent manner (3.06; -8.9%), The district’s pay practices are fair (3.02; -4.1%), and The school board is doing what it takes to make our district successful (2.96; +8.0%).
When district staff were asked how likely they would be to recommend the district as a place of employment, the score for the New London School District was 6.91 on a scale of 0-10 with 10 being “Extremely Likely.” The score represented a -4.6% change from the previous year. The score for each individual school in the district and percentage change are as follows: Lincoln Elementary School (5.70; -9.7%), Parkview Elementary School (5.92; -10.4%), Readfield Elementary School (6.36; +2.6%), Sugar Bush Elementary School (7.56; +17.8%), New London Intermediate Middle School (7.34; +5.2%), and New London High School (8.00; -2.3%).

Student survey
A total of 998 district students, which was a 86% response rate, completed the survey. In the survey for district students, the key indexes measured, the survey score, and percentage change from the previous score:

• My Connections – I belong at school because I have healthy relationships with other students and adults and am actively involved in school-related activities. (4.36; 0.0%)
• My Learning – I learn at school because my classes are challenging, interesting, and I can get help when I need it. (3.87; -1.0%)
• My Environment – I like being at school because it’s a place that’s safe, warm, and fun. (3.87; 0.0%)
• My Experience – I’m accepted, respected, and have the support I need to be successful at school. (3.86; -0.8%)
The top three individual items that were scored included: I have friends to sit with at lunch or hang out with at school (4.73; -0.6%), I have friends who help me when I need help (4.56; -0.9%), and I like helping other people when I can (4.47; +1.1%).
The bottom three individual items that were scored included: Most kids at school follow the rules (3.22; -3.9%), I talk to people outside of school about what I’m learning (3.21; -1.5%), and The homework and projects I’m assigned help me learn and are more than just homework (3.18; -3.0%).
When district middle school and high school students were asked if they liked school most days, the score was 6.16 on a scale of 0-10 with 10 being “Definitely.” This represented a +2.1% change from the previous year. The score for each individual school in the district and percentage change are as follows: New London Intermediate Middle School (6.13; +2.9%), New London High School (6.16; +1.5%), and Catalyst Academy (7.86; +1.0).

Summary
Bleck said the “School board is doing what it takes to make our district successful” statement was the only item that scored under 3. But the score did increase 8% from the last survey to the current survey. It went from 2.74 to 2.96.
“It is a plus to the board that its moving in the right direction, or the perception that what individuals are giving the feedback with it,” Bleck said.

Board President John Heideman said he’d like to see the survey done consistently during February or March.
“I don’t know how much we can read into this (survey), comparing it to a survey that was done at a different time of the school year because everybody’s attitude changes,” Heideman said.
Bleck said that the district would move to have the survey completed during the same time of the school year each year.