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Superintendent presents student‑voice findings and plans climate surveys across East Stroudsburg schools
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Vitale summarized meetings with students from every building about what they value and want changed, highlighted recurring themes (math enthusiasm, concerns about recess/playground equipment, cafeteria options, and transportation), and announced districtwide climate surveys and a youth advisory council for food service.
Superintendent Dr. Vitale reported April 28 on a series of student leadership meetings held across district schools and outlined next steps including climate surveys, a youth advisory council for food service and department goal‑setting based on survey results.
In a month‑long effort the superintendent met with student groups at every building and asked two questions: what students love about their experience and one thing they would change. Across elementary and secondary schools students repeatedly praised teachers, extracurriculars and specific programs; consistent concerns included playground equipment and recess options at the elementary level, food and cafeteria logistics, transportation timing and inconsistent enforcement of student behavior expectations at the secondary level.
Nut graf — how administration will respond
Dr. Vitale said the district has already distributed student surveys (closed), is opening parent and family surveys, and will distribute faculty and staff climate surveys in early May. By mid‑June she plans to provide department‑level survey results and in a summer board meeting present a district climate data summary followed by administrator goal‑setting tied to the findings.
Student feedback highlights
- Elementary: frequent praise for math instruction, requests for more varied recess equipment (swings repeatedly mentioned), refreshed rewards for PBIS and interest in flexible seating. One elementary student created and presented a slide deck proposing new recess activities.
- Intermediate and middle: concerns about rushed mornings, playground condition, and rules limiting snow‑day play; several students asked for more varied cafeteria choices.
- High school: appreciation for course offerings, dual enrollment and facilities; concerns about student disengagement, bathroom vandalism, transportation delays and help with college application processes (FAFSA/college application support).
Follow-up actions and timeline
- Food service: Dr. Vitale said the director of food service will convene a youth advisory council to gather student input on meal choices and cafeteria service.
- Surveys: student surveys closed; parent/family surveys were open at the time of the meeting and staff surveys scheduled for distribution on May 1; Dr. Vitale plans to compile results and ask every administrator to set one goal from the climate data.
Ending
Dr. Vitale said she will continue meeting with leadership groups — she proposed quarterly meetings for secondary students and annual elementary meetings — and expects to present climate results to the board in June or July and to pursue follow‑up actions based on student input.
