New Britain Board hears school climate survey showing students feel less safe and less engaged than adults do

The New Britain Board of Education on April 7 reviewed results of a districtwide school climate survey that found strong ratings for school leadership and teacher-student relationships but notable gaps in student safety, peer respect and parent communication.

The presentation by district staff said 56 percent of students (grades 3–12) responded to the survey and that 82 percent of students agreed their teachers care about them. But only 68 percent of students said they feel safe at school — compared with about 85 percent of parents and 76 percent of staff — and only 55–56 percent of students said they like going to school each day.

District officials said the findings matter because the perceptions point to issues that affect attendance, school climate and learning. "School leadership is widely respected," said Harold Richardson, summarizing a takeaway from the data, but he added that differences in safety perceptions and low peer-respect scores mean the district must improve supports and consistent practices across schools.

Kate Esolero, who led the slide…