During the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) Regular Board Meeting on May 15, 2025, significant discussions centered around student well-being, particularly focusing on the results from the Panorama survey and other data sources. The meeting highlighted the district's ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational environment for its students, with a specific emphasis on three key areas: sense of belonging, safety at school, and student self-efficacy.

The presentation began with introductions from new district leaders, including Steve Clark, the new Director of Counseling Services, and Sonia Baker, the Counseling Services Coordinator. They provided an overview of the district's progress towards Board Goal 4, which aims to improve student well-being. Notably, the number of students participating in the Panorama survey increased by 9.5% from the previous year, indicating a growing engagement in assessing student perceptions.

The data revealed that while 55% of students reported a positive sense of well-being in their school environment, this figure fell short of the district's target of 61% for the year. The report emphasized the need for continued efforts to foster a supportive atmosphere, particularly among specific student groups, including emergent bilingual students, who showed less favorable responses.

In terms of sense of belonging, the survey indicated that students in grades 3 through 5 reported a favorable response rate of 51%, which is above the national average. However, secondary students (grades 6 through 12) reported a lower rate of 44%, placing them in the 20th percentile nationally. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve the experiences of older students.

Safety perceptions also emerged as a critical area of concern. The survey indicated that 59% of students felt safe at school, which is consistent with previous years but still below the district's goal of 67%. The data suggested that while younger students felt safer, secondary students reported lower levels of perceived safety, indicating a need for enhanced safety measures and support systems.

The meeting concluded with discussions on student self-efficacy, where 55% of students expressed confidence in their ability to learn, again falling short of the 60% target. However, the data showed a positive trend in self-efficacy among students in grades 3 through 5, who reported a favorable response rate of 62%.

Overall, the RRISD Board Meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving student well-being through data-driven strategies and targeted programs. The ongoing analysis of survey results will guide future initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. The board anticipates further discussions on these topics in upcoming meetings as they work towards achieving their goals for student well-being.