Board approves calendar-survey combining calendar questions with annual engagement survey

The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees voted to approve a revised calendar committee survey on Jan. 14 that combines questions about school-year start and end dates with a shortened version of the district’s required annual engagement survey.

Assistant Superintendent Johnson told trustees the most substantial change addressed question No. 4 to make start-and-end date questions more specific; the survey order was also adjusted. Johnson said the district will distribute the instrument via its messaging system tied to PowerSchool, post it on the district website and may use Constant Contact and newsletters to reach broader audiences. She estimated a likely response range of roughly 300–500 respondents based on past distribution but did not set a strict response window; staff recommended an open window with a typical two-week response peak and the possibility of reminders.

Trustees discussed distribution channels and the survey window; Johnson suggested keeping the window open with an initial two-week push and a five-day reminder near the close. After brief discussion the board approved the motion by voice vote; the chair called for ayes and the motion carried unanimously.

Trustees said they want to hear from patrons beyond parents and asked staff to use multiple outreach channels to reduce survey fatigue. The survey is intended to inform calendar-setting for the school years following the next academic year; staff noted an approved calendar for the coming year already exists.

The board did not specify a final close date in the meeting; staff indicated they would manage the timeline and notification cadence as the survey goes live.