School survey shows high satisfaction

The Cedar Grove-Belgium School District’s survey asking parents, staff and community members to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement garnered generally positive feedback with several items identified for development.

The School Board reviewed the survey results this month.

Among the highlights Supt. Jeanne Courneene pointed out are that 97% of staff agreed that the district is a great place to work.

Ninety percent of parent and community respondents indicated they were satisfied with the overall experience of children at the district.

The strongest instructional areas were reading, science and English language arts.

The upkeep of facilities was rated high by all respondents.

“This is something in which the district takes great pride,” Courneene said.

Staff was ranked as the district’s highest strength by the parents and community.

Staff identified community involvement and support as a strength, in addition to quality students and small schools.

Among the areas for improvement is achievement of students with learning needs and of poverty.

“Each school needs to examine closely if current practices, processes and procedures support equitable learning opportunities for all students,” Courneene said. “This is a very high priority for the district.”

Parents and community members said the district needs to prepare students for college and careers, not just students who are planning to attend four-year universities.

Recruiting and retaining a quality staff and offering a variety of non-athletic opportunities for students were also encouraged.

Among suggestions for facility improvements were technology design, building upkeep, green space use and acquisition and a new pool and auditorium.

“The capital projects will need to be prioritized along with financial considerations to keep moving forward,” Courneene said.

Board President Chad Hoopman said the pool and auditorium are items that will need to be addressed in the next few years.

Director of Buildings and Grounds Ben Lukens in 2017 said he thinks the 1970 pool could last about another five years.

The survey was delivered digitally with hard copies available at a few locations and upon request. It was open for three weeks in November and had a 32% return rate. 

“The feedback is essential to the short term and long-term planning of the school district in addition to making improvements as part of the district’s commitment to ongoing continuous improvement work,” Courneene said.

“The work associated to exemplary school districts is never done. It simply continues to evolve based on needs of our students, facilities, and college, career, or service preparation.”