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School board approves plan to run Engage survey for public input on McGruder name discussion
Summary
The York County School Board directed staff to use the Engage survey platform to collect countywide public input about a possible McGruder school name change, with options for unique links for targeted groups, a 7–10 day response window and questions to capture district or address information to limit responses to county residents.
The York County School Board directed staff on June 2 to use the Engage survey platform to collect public input about a possible name change for McGruder Elementary School and to return with cost information before any final board decision.
Board members said they wanted a countywide mechanism to hear residents’ views but also sought ways to limit responses to people who live in York County and to avoid duplicate responses. A board member summarized the choice of platform: “that is no extra cost,” and the board agreed Engage can provide unique links for targeted groups (staff and internally connected participants) while also offering a public link for broader input.
Staff explained two methods: send unique, single-use links by email to targeted groups with known addresses, and use a public link with demographic questions (ZIP code, address, district) to identify locality and limit duplicates. Staff recommended a 7–10 day window for responses (10 days is typical practice with one reminder). They also said the survey can ask an optional name/address field if the board wants greater verification, but cautioned that responses remain self-reported unless linked to a unique emailed invitation.
Board members asked whether the survey could be limited to York County residents and whether alumni living outside the county might respond; staff said they could add district and taxpayer questions to help filter results. Board members also asked staff to compute and report projected costs of any physical name-change work (signs, building-facing signage and other changes) before making a final decision.
The board asked staff to proceed expeditiously; administrators said they would launch the survey soon and use a short invitation window, return results disaggregated by district and report back with cost estimates for signage and related changes prior to any formal vote.
