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Centennial SD presents summer book-pack results; board questions low survey response
Summary
District staff reported results of the K–5 summer book-pack initiative: 2,472 packs distributed, seven opt-outs, 76 survey participants (53 reported having taken packs home), and 79% parent satisfaction among respondents. Board members pressed administration about the small sample size and asked for stronger impact measures.
The Centennial School District Office of Teaching and Learning reported Oct. 28 on its summer K–5 take-home book-pack program and accompanying survey results.
Staff said the district distributed 2,472 book packs to elementary students and that seven students (0.28% of recipients) opted out. "We had, 7 students total out of 2,472 elementary students. 7 were opted out. Less than, way less than even half of a percent, 0.28%," the presenter said. The district reported 76 participants in the post-distribution thought-exchange survey; 53 respondents were families who received book packs. Among respondents, 79% said they were very or somewhat satisfied with the books provided; the presenter said 72% of respondents reported their students were satisfied.
Staff summarized common positive feedback (built-home libraries, keeping kids engaged over the summer, discovering new authors) and areas for improvement (matching books more closely to a child’s independent reading level and increasing multicultural representation). The presenter noted the Office of Teaching and Learning consults a representative group that includes student advisory council members, parents, teachers, administrators and school board members when selecting titles.
Several board members questioned the evaluation data: the low response rate relative to distribution, whether the sample is representative, and how the district might use digital options or targeted outreach to obtain more rigorous impact data. A board member noted that 53 respondents out of 2,472 distributed packs is roughly a 2% response rate and urged administrators to explore stronger measurement approaches.
The presenter and board members agreed the initiative is valued by families who responded, but they also said more robust data collection or different timing could provide clearer evidence of impact; staff said they are exploring alternate funding and delivery options and will return to committees with proposals for improvement and possible digital pilots.
