During the 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 school years, the Meeker School District engaged in surveys of recent graduates to help determine areas of potential improvement in the school district as well as validate areas in which the school district excelled. Although the results of those surveys provided some useful insight, achieving a sufficient response rate proved to be challenging. Additionally, much of the feedback received was relatively predictable.
In the 2023-2024 school year, the Meeker School District decided to expand this effort to include a community wide survey. Much like the graduate surveys, the intent of the community survey was to validate areas in which the school district is performing well, while also identifying areas for potential improvement. Furthermore, a better understanding of the school district community’s values and perspectives helps the Meeker School District develop appropriate long term objectives and outcomes for students.
The school district received 100 responses to this survey. Overall satisfaction with the school district is very high among survey respondents with 96.2% of respondents indicating they are satisfied or very satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of education provided in the Meeker School District. Numerous written responses indicated appreciation from community members for the dedication to children that is repeatedly shown by staff members. Areas of concern expressed by community members include the continuing difficulties of hiring and retaining quality staff, student mental health needs, and individualized instruction.
The survey was designed with a mixture of rating scales and open ended responses. The open ended responses were grouped by category for reporting purposes. A summary of the data collected via the community survey can be accessed at the following link: 2023-2024 Community Survey Summary Data
Also during the 2023-2024 school year, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) conducted its semiannual Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado survey (TLCC). The TLCC asked school staff members to answer questions regarding the working conditions within their school. A total of 61 staff members responded to the TLCC survey. All of the questions in the TLCC survey were based on a rating scale that asks respondents to rank if they strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly agree with a statement about their school. The TLCC survey then provides a breakdown of “favorable responses” to each of these statements. Some statements were provided to specific subgroups (licensed vs. unlicensed staff, veteran vs. new staff, etc…). Because our subgroups are relatively small, the data in this report only focuses on survey questions where a majority of all staff responded.
The most important question in the TLCC survey asks if our school district is a good place for students to learn. 100% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this statement. Additionally 98% stated that our school is a safe place to work and a safe place for students to learn. 96% indicated our school is a good place to work. Areas of concern included school staff’s ability to help students with social emotional needs, support for new staff, and the amount of time provided to complete work related responsibilities.
A summary of the data collected via the TLCC survey can be accessed at the following link: (https://tinyurl.com/2uxpjw7a)
The Meeker School District is deeply grateful for the partnership with our community that helps us provide an excellent education for all students. The information collected through the community and TLCC surveys will be utilized to achieve the Meeker School District RE-1 vision statement of “Excellence in All We Do.”
By Chris Selle
Meeker Schools Superintendent