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Morton CUSD 709 reports gains on Five Essentials survey; district flags funding and facilities priorities
Summary
District administrators presented Five Essentials survey results showing higher student response rates and gains on measures of teacher trust and safety, highlighted CTE grant funding opportunities and discussed facilities projects and bid results.
Morton CUSD 709 administrators reported improved Five Essentials survey results and outlined several operational priorities including special-education transportation costs, construction projects and CTE grant funding.
Mr. Edwards presented comparative results for 2024 and 2025, noting an increase in student survey completion cited in the presentation (from 66% to 86.1% in the dataset discussed) and improvements in several indicators: teacher trust rose (example cited: 67% to 72%) and a safety measure moved from 62% to 68%. He cautioned that small-response categories were redacted in the dataset when responses fell below a threshold and that additional slides provided school-level breakdowns.
The board discussed funding concerns tied to state allocations and proration for special-education transportation, which administration said is claims-dependent and can reduce district receipts as statewide claims rise. Administrators noted the governor's budget proposals (including increased Title I and IDEA support and a proposed EBF increase) and identified May as a likely time for further legislative action.
On facilities and CTE, administrators shared photos of current construction progress at the high school and described a Compier Financial grant award of $60,000 over two years to support CTE equipment and certifications; example equipment prices mentioned included an Amatrol hydraulic trainer (~$25,000) and a ShopBot CNC router (~$24,000). Facilities committee members reported a 2026 bid opening with a base-plus-alternate total of $1,347,000 and recommended moving forward with contract award despite costs coming in above estimate.
Administration said a district AI plan and responsible-use guidelines drafted by Technology Administrator Kate Wyman will go to TLC and the board later this spring.
Administration and the board signaled they will continue monitoring state funding developments, provide further detail on bid scopes and keep the public informed about grant-funded CTE investments.
