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Survey: Carmel Clay Schools rated highly for academics and safety; community wants more real‑world learning and clearer communication
Summary
A December community survey of 4,565 respondents found high ratings for Carmel Clay Schools' academics and safety (94% of adults said the district meets expectations); top priorities were real-world classroom learning and dual-credit opportunities, while open-ended responses flagged middle-range student supports, safety concerns (bullying and nearby shootings), and communication gaps.
Carmel Clay Schools presented results of a December community survey showing broad approval of district performance and specific areas for growth, the superintendent said.
Dr. Oestreich told the board that 4,565 people completed the survey (parents with children in CCS, employees, community members without children, and students). Among adult respondents with children in the district, 94% said the district meets expectations and two-thirds said the district exceeds or significantly exceeds expectations on the district's mission to prepare students for college and careers.
Respondents ranked "real-world classroom learning" and college-credit/dual-credit opportunities (AP/IB/dual credit) among their top three priorities. Employees and parents prioritized real-world learning and dual-credit pathways; high-school students prioritized grades and ACT/SAT performance. Open-ended responses, which were analyzed with an AI summary provided to the board, highlighted three positive themes—support for teachers, a sense of community and pride, and high standards—and flagged top growth areas: better attention to middle-range students, safety concerns (bullying and anxiety about school shootings in the region), and communication and transparency from administration.
Dr. Oestreich said the district will hold listening sessions and focus groups in February through April, with two public sessions scheduled in this room on Feb. 27 and Mar. 20, and that a draft strategic plan informed by stakeholder feedback will be presented in May–June for board consideration. Board members asked for a split of safety vs. bullying data and for more detail on the in-school mental-health partnership; administration said that disaggregated data will be provided and that the Ascension partnership has been operating for several years.
The board did not take action but asked administration to provide the requested follow-up data and to invite trustees to participate in community focus groups.
