Board review shows dip in internal trust; members agree to pre‑retreat survey and focus discussion

The Stevens Point Area Public School District board reviewed results of a self‑evaluation May 20 that showed improved communication with the superintendent but a notable decline in perceived trust among board members. The board agreed to a staff proposal to send a short anonymous pre‑retreat questionnaire to help prioritize trust‑building work at the June retreat.

Sarah (communications staff) presented the survey process and results. She told the board the district administered the evaluation in November and again in March; nine board members completed the first survey and eight completed the second. Sarah said the survey showed improved access to student performance data and stronger board‑superintendent communication, but "the most significant decline" was perceived trust among board members.

Board members discussed how to use retreat time. Several members suggested the retreat should focus on one or two of the “trust accelerators” rather than trying to cover a long list. One board member proposed sending a brief anonymous questionnaire before the retreat asking members to flag which trust accelerators they think need attention; the body agreed that staff should distribute that survey and provide summarized results before the retreat.

Administrators and board members also discussed committee structure and whether some items were best handled in committee or brought to the full board. Sarah recommended the board consider targeted team‑building or professional development if retreat conversation identifies specific needs.

The board did not take a formal vote on substantive policy changes; it recorded direction to staff to circulate the pre‑retreat questionnaire and prioritize retreat agenda items based on member feedback.