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Hanover Research presents Berkeley County Schools stakeholder survey showing overall favorable views and areas for improvement
Summary
Hanover Research presented results of a districtwide stakeholder survey at the March 3 board meeting: respondents largely rated the district positively on academics and safety while identifying needs for more career and technical education, stronger professional learning for staff and clearer communication with parents.
Hanover Research presented the results of a Berkeley County Schools stakeholder survey at the Board of Education meeting on March 3, reporting more than 2,000 respondents and identifying strengths and areas for targeted improvement.
The consultants said the survey found generally positive perceptions of the district’s academic environment and safety, while flagging growth opportunities including career and technical education (CTE), perceived curriculum rigor among students, and stronger, more personalized professional learning for staff.
Why it matters: The district’s leadership said the findings will inform the strategic plan and professional‑development priorities. Survey data will be posted publicly and used to shape summer planning and next year’s initiatives.
Hanover’s Melanie Flaxer summarized key academic findings: community members view the district as having a positive academic environment and many resources, but students requested more CTE options and more rigorous, real‑life connections in lessons. “Students report feeling prepared for class and supported by your teachers,” Flaxer said, while also noting students want more recognition and greater comfort seeking teacher help.
On safety, Hanover reported that most respondents feel safe at school, but students expressed more safety concerns than staff or parents on issues such as bullying and online harassment; only about 10% of students reported feeling pressure to use substances on school property. Hanover recommended the district raise awareness of existing safety programs and supports.
On parent engagement and communication, Hanover reported parents feel welcomed and that communications align with parent preferences (school platforms and email), but fewer parents said schools actively seek their input in decision making. Hanover recommended targeted outreach and clearer information about what students are learning and how parents can support reading, math and social‑emotional development.
Hanover described the sample as robust: about 2,049 respondents overall, including nearly 1,000 school staff and 893 parents. The firm recommended follow‑up interviews and targeted professional learning adjustments; staff and the superintendent said the full report will be shared with the public the next day and used to guide the district’s strategic planning.
Ending: Board members asked for follow‑up breakdowns by grade and subgroup and requested the Hanover team provide the full data supplement for further review. The district said it will post the full report on the superintendent’s page and distribute next steps to staff and the public.
