Forest Lake Area Schools communications coordinator Renee Reedy presented results of the district’s annual family survey Thursday, reporting roughly 500 responses (about 10% of the district) and multi-year trend data.

Reedy said the survey asks families to rate statements (agree/strongly agree to disagree/strongly disagree) about academics, school climate and communications rather than using long open-ended questions. Results showed high marks on several items: parents generally agreed that their children were appropriately challenged, received a high-quality education, and that adults at their child’s school believed students could learn and be successful.

On school climate, a large share of respondents agreed their child had a sense of belonging and knew at least one adult with whom they could share successes and concerns. Reedy highlighted that families reported feeling informed about district- and school-level events, and the preferred communication method remains email, with text messaging rising in preference.

Board members noted limits of survey data and of the response rate but praised strong scores on the “caring adult” item. Member Julie Christensen suggested breaking the data down by school and grade to identify differences in connectedness; Reedy said that is feasible and that the district can report school-level results.

Ending: The board thanked Reedy and the communications team for the work. Reedy said the district will continue annual polling with a streamlined, mobile-friendly instrument to increase participation.