Administrators at Independent School District No. 361 got what they wanted.
Last month, two different surveys were distributed to district residents asking what the residents thought were strengths and concerns of the district. Hoping to get a good turnout of responses, administrators were pleased to learn more than 600 surveys were completed.
“I was very pleased to hear we had good participation,” said Superintendent Kevin Grover. “I’m excited to dive into the results and see what direction this will lead us.”
Handled by the Minnesota School Board Association, the surveys were distributed in an effort to help define goals the district should consider to help it move forward in a positive direction.
Last week, Sandy Gundlach, director of school board services, visited the community and said she, too, was encouraged by the number of surveys completed.
“I was surprised a community of this size had the participation it did,” she said, adding more than 300 students responded to the survey. “(Student) response is important. It will be interesting to analyze.”
Gundlach spent two days in the area meeting with school board members, administrators, staff, students and parents to gain more information on expectations for the district. Results from the surveys and her visit should be available in February, she said.
“When we go over these responses, we’ll be looking for common themes,” Gundlach said. “We of course can’t address every concern, but this will help us measure what we should be looking at.”
And while concerns will play a role in defining goals, strengths will be noted, too.
“One of the strengths this district has is the staff and students working together,” said school board member Gordy Dault. “There is a lot of positive reinforcement with the kids.”
In addition, he said implementation of new programs and college in the classroom is already helping the district.
“There is dedication from the top down,” he said. “Our staff is really keeping the kids in mind.”
Board members agreed a main goal the district has is retaining its students while attracting newcomers.
“I think we’re on the right track,” said board Chairman Michelle Hebner.
And, members agreed improving the school’s infrastructure should also be a focus.
“Our facilities need a lot of work and a lot of updating,” said board member Mike Holden. “We’re not there yet, but there are good things happening.”
What’s next
Grover said Gundlach is expected to visit the community again for meetings with district officials and members of the Blue Ribbon Panel to put long-term and short-term goals into place.
“We will work together to form the direction the district is going to go,” Grover said. “There will be a lot of ideas and all kinds of pieces to this, and, unfortunately, we won’t be able to take into consideration every need issue.”
However, the superintendent said when some goals are met, hopefully new ones can be put in place.
“This is just the first step,” he said. “We have a long way to go. This is only the start of the process and hopefully we can set formal goals each year.”
