In early fall, District 34 sent surveys to staff, families and community members asking for input on the current state of the District. Respondents included 215 staff members, 309 family members and 144 community members (those without children in D34 schools). The information shared helps us understand where to focus forward together!  This is a brief summary of the results. More details and other data will be shared with the Strategic Plan Refresh Task Force, and with the community in presentations this winter. 

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A priority for stakeholders if for District 34 to provide a safe environment for students and staff. The following percentage of respondents ranked it as a top priority: 

• 50% of staff, listed as the #1 priority
• 43% of family members, also listed as the #1 priority
• 34% of community members, the group's #2 priority

The second-ranked priority for staff respondents is a related area, ensuring high standards for positive student behavior (38%). For families, the #2 priority is hiring and retaining quality teachers (42% of families); that is the #1 priority for community members (36%).

In open-ended responses, themes emerged for each stakeholder group: 

Staff Themes

Staff themes that emerged, and comments related to each theme, include: 

• Staff Morale: A desire to have more input for decision making, particularly in classroom design, and a wish for more resources for teachers (including adding staff in the student services area)

• Student Behavior: Concerns about student behavior, safety, and the impact of the pandemic on young learners, as well as the need to focus on student social-emotional learning

• EDI Work: Concerns about meeting the needs of diverse learners and providing adequate support for students with special needs, and hope for follow through in the commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion work

Family Themes

Staff themes that emerged, and comments related to each theme, include: 

• Academic Focus: The need for more explicit teaching about equity, a wish for more, and more varied, after school offerings, the need for resources equitably allocated for students with IEPs and 504 plans, and a more challenging curriculum

• Bullying Prevention: The need for more consequences for bullying behavior, and improved communication about student safety.

• Family Involvement: Additional family involvement opportunities, more communication with teachers and staff, and more equitable opportunities for low-income families.

Community Themes

Community themes that emerged, and comments related to each theme, include: 

• Inclusivity: More focus on inclusivity and recognition and tolerance of differences

• Fiscal Responsibility: Rein in costs while maintaining high standards

• Student Safety: Creating a safe environment for all students, preventing bullying

Are We Headed in the Right Direction? 

Overall, the stakeholder groups responded that they believe that District 34 is headed in the right direction, though some reported disagreement. The District hopes this process will put us on the path that our community envisions. 

Given the overwhelming focus on providing a safe environment, we wanted to hear more about the elements of a safe environment, so we asked staff, families and community members to provide further input:  What does the District (and those within our community) need to do to provide safe environments for our students, staff and families? 

We heard the following important areas emerge as key topics regarding a safe environment:

• Student Behaviors, Consequences & Boundaries
• Physically Secure Buildings
• Gun Control
• Mental Health

In April 2024, students in grades 3-8 responded to a survey asking, "What can we do to reach the District's goals of creativity & innovation, belonging & well-being, and collaboration & community?" The responses to that survey informed the final strategies found in the strategic plan.

In addition, the task force facilitation team met with groups of students at Springman and Attea to learn more about student hopes for the future of their schools and the District.