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Farmington board reviews Studer survey: high marks for belonging, concerns about peer kindness and communication
Summary
District leaders told the board that the spring 2025 Studer survey showed steady overall scores versus 2023, strong perceptions of learning importance, and areas for growth including peer kindness, enjoyment of the school day, student voice, and clearer communication with parents.
Superintendent Jason Berg presented the results of the district’s spring 2025 Studer survey to the Farmington School Board, saying the instrument provides “good baseline data” that will inform strategic planning and operational improvements.
Berg summarized headline findings: learner responses were similar to 2023 with average scores near 3.7 (on the five-point scale); roughly 84% of learners agreed or strongly agreed that ‘‘their learning is important’’; parents and caregivers reported consistent perceptions year-over-year; and staff reported a strong sense of purpose and peer collaboration. Berg noted staff response rates were lower in 2025 compared with a prior administration but aggregate scores remained similar.
The survey also highlighted areas for improvement across groups. Learners reported challenges in peer kindness and enjoyment of the school day as they progress into secondary grades; they asked for more learner voice and differentiation in instruction and clearer, more consistent enforcement of rules. Parents asked for greater clarity on academic rigor and more proactive feedback rather than waiting for conferences. Staff raised concerns about the clarity and timeliness of budget-related communications, resourcing and class-size issues, and requested targeted professional development and instructional resources.
Board members and staff discussed how the district might target investments to address those concerns. Board members asked for better data on families who choose non-enrollment options (charter school, homeschooling, open enrollment) so the district can better understand drivers of enrollment changes. Administration said the district conducts exit surveys occasionally but acknowledged more targeted outreach to non-enrolled resident families would be useful.
Berg and board members emphasized that the survey data should be paired with follow-up planning: identify focused investments for enrichment, acceleration and communication improvements and then measure progress. No formal board action was taken at the meeting; administration was asked to use the survey findings as one input to upcoming strategic planning and budgeting conversations.
The board discussed how budgeting constraints and enrollment trends have affected program reductions and staffing decisions and noted that final strategy decisions will depend on funding available through levies, state aid and assigned fund balances.
