During a recent government meeting, officials discussed strategies to improve student enrollment and retention within the PSJA school district. A key focus was on enhancing communication with families who have left the district for other educational options, particularly charter schools.
One official highlighted the importance of personal outreach, noting that former staff member Ariana had effectively made phone calls to families. The discussion emphasized the need for ongoing communication and accountability among liaisons and school staff to track student departures and follow up with families regularly.
Dr. Noyola reported on recruitment efforts that included home visits to families who had left the district. He mentioned that a comprehensive list of students who departed was utilized to target neighborhoods known for charter school enrollment. The district has also implemented a feedback mechanism, where families can express their reasons for leaving, allowing the district to address concerns and improve services.
The meeting also touched on the potential benefits of principals personally reaching out to families as part of an exit interview process. This approach could foster stronger relationships and provide valuable insights into the reasons behind student departures. The officials acknowledged that such personal engagement could positively influence families' decisions to remain within the district.
In addition to these strategies, the district plans to reward schools for successful recruitment efforts, further incentivizing staff to engage with families. Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing communication, understanding family needs, and actively working to retain students within the PSJA school district.