Question 1: What is your role with the District?

Question 2: Please select the building(s) that you or your student are a part of.

Question 3: Considering the educational programs and services that are currently provided in our schools, what is most important to you and why?

Summary: The responses highlight a diverse range of priorities for educational programs and services. Core subjects such as math, science, and reading are frequently emphasized, alongside the importance of STEM, arts, and music education. Many respondents value enrichment opportunities, advanced courses, and after-school programs that cater to varied interests and abilities. Special education services, mental health support, and individualized learning are also crucial. Additionally, there is a strong focus on preparing students for college and real-world skills, maintaining small class sizes, and ensuring high-quality teachers and staff. Overall, a well-rounded, inclusive, and supportive educational environment is paramount. 

Question 3: Top Themes ordered by relevance:

Question 3: Key District Takeaways

1. **Focus on Core Subjects:** We understand the importance of prioritizing fundamental subjects like math, science, and reading. Your feedback highlights the need to ensure our students have a strong foundation in these areas, and we are committed to maintaining this focus.

2. **STEM and Enrichment Programs:** Many of you emphasized the value of STEM education and enrichment activities. We hear you and will continue to support and expand these programs to foster critical thinking and innovation among our students.

3. **Community and Extracurricular Activities:** Your appreciation for community-based activities, arts, music, and sports is noted. We will strive to enhance these programs, ensuring they remain integral parts of our students' holistic development.

4. **Special Education and Support Services:** The importance of IEP supports, early intervention services, and occupational therapy was a recurring theme. We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and support to meet the diverse needs of all our students.

5. **Variety and Choice in Education:** We recognize the significance of offering a wide range of courses and pathways, especially at the high school level. Your feedback reinforces our commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities that cater to different interests and career aspirations.

6. **Mental Health and Well-being:** The emphasis on mental health support and student wellness is crucial. We will continue to prioritize these services to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.

7. **Quality of Teachers and Learning Environment:** Your comments about the importance of high-quality teachers and a conducive learning environment are invaluable. We will focus on attracting and retaining excellent educators and improving our facilities to enhance the overall educational experience.

Question 4:  What changes to programs, services, and/or activities would you like the District to consider as the 2025-2026 budget is developed?

Summary: The responses to the question about changes to programs, services, and activities for the 2025/2026 budget development highlight a diverse range of suggestions. Key themes include increased focus on STEM, arts, and foreign language programs, better pay for support staff and aides, smaller class sizes, and enhanced mental health support. Respondents also emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, reduced spending on athletics, and more hands-on, practical learning opportunities. Additionally, there were calls for improved early education, special education services, and extracurricular activities, as well as concerns about administrative costs and the need for better security measures.

Question 4: Top Themes ordered by relevance:

Question 4: Key District Takeaways

1. **Enhanced Curriculum Offerings:** We have heard your requests for more science, social studies, STEM opportunities, and early foreign language learning. We are committed to exploring ways to expand these areas to enrich our students' educational experiences.

2. **Support for Arts and Music:** Your passion for maintaining and enhancing our arts and music programs is clear. We will ensure these programs continue to receive the support they need to thrive, recognizing their importance to our community.

3. **Athletic Program Adjustments:** We understand the concerns regarding the allocation of funds to athletic facilities. We will carefully review our budget to balance the needs of all programs, ensuring that investments in athletics do not come at the expense of other critical areas.

4. **Support Staff Compensation:** The importance of our support staff has been highlighted, and we are committed to reviewing their compensation to ensure it reflects their invaluable contributions to our students' success.

5. **Mental Health and Special Education Services:** We recognize the need for increased mental health support and special education services. We will prioritize these areas to better support our students' well-being and diverse learning needs.

6. **Affordable Before and After School Programs:** We hear the challenges working parents face with the cost of before and after school care. We will explore options to make these programs more affordable and accessible for all families.

7. **Community and Family Engagement:** Your suggestions for more family-oriented activities and better parent-teacher communication are important to us. We will work on creating more opportunities for family engagement and improving communication channels to strengthen our school community.

Question 5: What other information would you like the District to consider that will help in the development of next year’s (2025-2026) budget?

Summary: The responses to the question about the 2025/2026 budget development highlight several key areas of concern and suggestions. Many respondents emphasized the need for better compensation for teacher aides, improved athletic facilities, and maintaining or reducing taxes, particularly for long-time residents and seniors. There were calls for more diverse elective courses, real-life financial education, and smaller class sizes. Transparency in budget allocation and spending was frequently mentioned, with requests for detailed financial reports. Other notable suggestions included enhancing cybersecurity, supporting mental health programs, and reducing administrative costs. Some respondents also advocated for maintaining rigorous academic standards and increasing outdoor and hands-on learning opportunities.

Question 5: Top Themes ordered by relevance:

Question 5: Key District Takeaways

1. **Acknowledging Diverse Needs:** We have heard your requests for a variety of electives, including creative writing, art, and cybersecurity courses. We will explore ways to expand our curriculum to offer more diverse and engaging options for our students.

2. **Financial Literacy and Real-Life Skills:** Your feedback on incorporating real-life learning, such as financial literacy and practical life skills, is invaluable. We will consider integrating these essential topics into our curriculum to better prepare students for their futures.

3. **Athletic Facilities and Sports Programs:** We understand the importance of competitive sports and the need for improved athletic facilities. We will prioritize the enhancement of our sports fields and explore the possibility of introducing JV sports to support our student-athletes.

4. **Teacher and Aide Compensation:** Your concerns about the pay rates for teacher aides and the need for competitive salaries have been noted. We will review our compensation structures to ensure that our staff feels valued and adequately supported.

5. **Transparency and Accountability:** We recognize the importance of transparency in how budget funds are allocated and spent. We will work on providing detailed reports and updates to the community to maintain trust and accountability.

6. **Tax Considerations and Community Impact:** We are mindful of the tax burden on our community, especially for retired seniors and residents without school-aged children. We will strive to balance the budget in a way that minimizes tax increases while still meeting the needs of our students.

7. **Class Sizes and Student Support:** Your feedback on the importance of small class sizes and additional support for students, including mental health resources, is crucial. We will prioritize maintaining manageable class sizes and enhancing support services to ensure a positive learning environment for all students.