Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Survey topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board opts for comprehensive 70-question community survey to inform potential future ballot measures
Summary
After extended discussion about scope and value, the Waconia Public School District Board approved a 70-question scientifically sampled survey from Morris Leatherman to measure resident satisfaction, trust and testing messages that could guide any future referendum decisions.
The Waconia Public School District Board voted to commission a 70-question, scientifically sampled community survey from Morris Leatherman to measure resident attitudes, test messaging and inform potential future referendum planning.
Administration presented three sample instruments (30-, 40- and 70-question formats) and results packets from other districts. Staff argued the longer instrument captures “atmospheric” measures — community trust in district decision-making, satisfaction across program areas and responses to alternative message framings — that shorter instruments may miss. Board members debated the cost difference (staff cited roughly $16,000 for a 40-question instrument and about $25,000 for a 70-question instrument) and whether the additional data justified the higher price. After discussion the board approved the 70-question survey by voice vote.
District staff said the survey will sample voters rather than only parents, and that the final instrument and timeline will be developed with the consultant and presented back to the board. The communications department will lead implementation and will report survey results to the board when available.
