I’ve grouped survey responses in the categories below along with a link to questions I have for administration moving forward.
AI summarized the feedback our survey responders wanted district leadership to know. To view all survey results, click here.
The responses reveal a deep division and mistrust within the Milton-Union community regarding school leadership, funding, and communication. Key themes include:
1. Communication and Transparency Issues:
- Widespread frustration with lack of clear, consistent, and accessible communication about school finances, levy plans, and decision-making processes.
- Calls for detailed, proactive outreach via multiple channels (social media, mail, in-person events) to engage all stakeholders, especially those without school-aged children.
2. Leadership Criticism:
- Repeated dissatisfaction with the superintendent and the Board of Education, with many calling for resignations due to perceived failures in leadership and levy outcomes.
- Allegations of arrogance, favoritism, and lack of accountability among administration and board members.
3. Financial Concerns and Priorities:
- Strong criticism of spending decisions, such as purchasing land while cutting essential services like transportation.
- Calls to focus resources on improving academics, mental health support, and equitable access for struggling students rather than extracurriculars or administrative costs.
- Suggestions to sell unused assets, cut administrative salaries, and seek alternative funding solutions (e.g., property taxes, partnerships with local governments).
4. Community and Economic Struggles:
- Many feel overburdened by taxes and unable to support additional levies due to rising living costs.
- A divide between families with children in the district and those without, with the latter feeling detached from the school’s needs.
5. Impact of Cuts and Decisions:
- Discontent over recent cuts to transportation, perceived misuse of funds, and the impact of these changes on students and families.
- Concerns about teacher retention, classroom resources, and declining academic performance.
6. Desire for Positive Change:
- Calls for a new vision, leadership, and approaches to rebuild trust, unite the community, and prioritize student success.
- Emphasis on respecting community concerns and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
Overall, the responses indicate a need for immediate action to address transparency, rebuild trust, and create a shared vision for the district’s future.