Harrison County Schools review survey; communication, consistency and recognition emerge as priorities

HARRISON COUNTY — At a special work session, Harrison County Schools officials reviewed the results of districtwide surveys and focus groups and identified communication consistency, discipline transparency and staff recognition as near‑term priorities.

Consultant Jennifer, who presented the March survey and focus‑group analysis, told the board the data showed generally favorable ratings for teaching quality and safety alongside pockets of concern. "We had almost 30% participation from parents, which is great," Jennifer said, summarizing response rates and turnout for the focus groups. Board members and staff discussed next steps including a communication audit, a curated public summary, and additional work sessions to convert the findings into action.

The survey reached parents, staff and students in grades 6–12. Jennifer reported participation of about 30% for parents, 39% for staff and 16% for students; the focus groups were smaller, with two parent sessions, one staff session and one high‑school student session. The district scored strongly on some measures: 78% of parents, 89% of campus‑based staff and 67% of students rated the quality of education as excellent or good. Perceptions of safety were also relatively high: 87% of parents, 86% of campus staff and 72% of students said they felt the school was safe.

Despite those strengths, the presenter highlighted consistent gaps found…