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Linn‑Mar board reviews small surveys on why families join or leave; staff recommends ongoing data collection
Summary
District staff presented two targeted surveys—452 in‑survey (34 responses) and 703 out‑survey (21 responses)—that found academics, reputation and class size among top reasons families choose or leave Linn‑Mar; board members urged ongoing, timely surveying and clearer parent communications about open‑enrollment rules.
District staff on Monday summarized two targeted surveys intended to explain recent open‑enrollment trends and why families decide to enroll in or leave the Linn‑Mar Community School District. The presentations emphasized small sample sizes and urged caution in generalizing results.
Renee, who presented the responses for families who opened enrolled into the district, said the district sent the 'open‑in' survey to 452 families and received 34 responses. "The top reasons for enrollment included academic opportunities and the district's reputation," Renee said, adding that 64.5% of those respondents rated their decision 5 out of 5. She also noted some parental concerns about large high‑school size and course scheduling.
Superintendent Kortmeyer presented the 'open‑out' survey results for families who left the district. Kortmeyer said 703 former‑family contacts were surveyed and 21 replied: about 44% of respondents left to attend another public school, 34% shifted to homeschooling and 21% chose a private school. Kortmeyer said respondents cited district or class size, program fit and in some cases ideological or political differences or past experiences with staff or communication.
Board members pressed for clearer data presentation and more frequent surveying. Katie proposed sending the survey at the time families enroll or leave so responses are contemporaneous; another board member raised confidentiality questions about linking names to responses. Renee said the enroll‑in survey was administered anonymously while the enroll‑out distribution included names to ensure a targeted sample.
Kortmeyer tied the work to the district's strategic plan, saying the information will be reviewed with district leadership and used to inform building improvement goals. He cautioned that the district will treat the findings as directional because of the low response rates.
The board then approved the open‑enrollment requests as presented by voice vote (motion by Katie, second by Bridal).
