District presents PA Climate Survey results: safety ratings high, bullying and engagement flagged for follow-up
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Summary
The district reported PA Climate Survey results to the board, noting generally high safety and staff engagement scores, alongside concerns about bullying reports (about one-fifth of students) and pockets of student boredom; more than 8,000 stakeholders participated.
Mr. Brown, director of Student Relations and School Climate, presented the Downingtown Area School District's 2025 PA Climate Survey results and outlined next steps for building-level action.
Brown said the district used the Pennsylvania Department of Education's PA Climate Survey this year and that "we were able to survey more than 8,000 stakeholders." He described district climate measures on a four-point scale and told the board the district looks for scores above 3.4 and seeks to avoid scores below 2.5.
Brown said students and staff generally feel safe in classrooms and around school facilities and that staff responses were "very high" for engagement and fairness. But he flagged bullying as an area of concern across grade levels: "we're almost at one fifth of the students who are saying, hey, I agree that students are often bullied," he said, adding that students report varied experiences — some see or experience bullying, others have not.
Brown said the district's approach includes assemblies that clarify differences between conflict and bullying, bystander intervention training for staff and secondary students, and the Student Life meetings where principals hear student feedback. He described student engagement data gathered with the climate survey for grades 6'12 and said the district is using that information to "shoulder tap" students who report no involvement in activities so those students can be connected with options.
Board members asked about response rates and survey administration. Brown said participation varies by level, the survey is optional with an opt-out available, and administration occurs during the school day via QR codes or a Schoology link; he stated the survey takes about five to seven minutes. He also said participation numbers by level were available and that principals receive building-specific data and can set localized goals.
Board discussion included requests to dig deeper into types of bullying; Brown said the PA Climate Survey does not specify bullying type, but building-level focus groups and Student Life meetings have been used to probe specifics. The board asked Brown to use the district's liaison with the PA Department of Education to inquire whether the state instrument can capture more specific bullying modalities in future administrations.
Brown said each building receives individualized data and principals are using it for immediate adjustments, citing examples such as adding microwaves or seating to address crowding during indoor lunch periods. The district also plans to align climate findings with its six-year strategic plan and to track continuing improvements.
