Westminster reports rising student safety scores, expands supports for new teachers

Westminster Public Schools administrators reported that fall 2025 Panorama survey results show improved perceptions of safety and high levels of staff and family engagement, and they outlined changes to new-teacher supports intended to improve retention and instructional practice.

Melissa Sandoval described the survey sample (4,000+ students, 489 staff and 642 families to date) and said student 'percent favorable' safety results rose from about 72% in 2021 toward an 80% district goal; in fall reporting the district measured 86% on some safety indicators and plans to set new goals toward 90%.

Matt Avishon/Aubuchon summarized 86–97 district 'roundings' with new teachers. He said new teachers praised the district’s collaborative culture and accessible leadership but asked for refinements to Empower (the learning management system) and competency-based learning supports. The district is restructuring new-teacher orientation (moving from five to four days with a mid-year Day 5), adding bimonthly early dismissals for professional learning targeted at new teachers, expanding instructional coaching and creating ongoing mentor support.

Board members asked about benchmark comparisons, sample representativeness, timing for training improvements and virtual options for mental-health first-aid. Presenters said sample response rates are strong (student response ~79% of applicable students), benchmarks were set using national metrics and school-level targets, and mental-health first-aid will be offered in multiple delivery modes including in-person, blended and fully virtual options.