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Waynesville R-VI student survey: high marks for teachers, persistent bullying and student-voice gaps
Summary
The district's 2024–25 student survey showed strong student perceptions that teachers help and care, but identified ongoing issues with bullying/conflict and student voice; administration clarified how bullying is recorded and plans continued work on conflict resolution and 'Leader in Me' efforts.
At its May meeting, the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education reviewed results of the 2024–25 student survey showing high ratings for instruction and teacher expectations but ongoing concerns about bullying, conflict resolution and student voice.
Mrs. Bales, an administrator who presented the results, said elementary students reported high agreement that "my teachers help students to learn" (92%) and "my teachers care about me" (87%). The presenter said 81% of elementary students reported knowing what to do in an emergency. Secondary students combined "agree" and "strongly agree" responses yielded 96% saying "I can do well in school," 94% saying "my teachers expect very good work from me," and 85% saying "my teachers care about me."
The survey also flagged areas for improvement. Elementary respondents showed opportunities related to enjoying school and conflict resolution; secondary respondents identified lower results for "my teachers notice if I'm having trouble," "I like going to this school," and whether "students at my school are often bullied." The presenter reported that the district's student voices measure improved to 68% but that more work remains.
During board discussion, Mrs. Bales clarified that the district's student handbook defines bullying by three thresholds and that some incidents reported by students as "bullying" are logged as other student conflicts after investigation because they do not meet the handbook's repeated-or-pattern threshold. She emphasized the district investigates all reports, whether labeled "bullying" or a conflict, and will continue training, leader-in-me work, and social-acceptance efforts.
Board members asked questions about reporting and documentation; administration said student leadership teams and climate groups will continue reviewing the data and recommending interventions.
