Superintendent reviews survey edits, Student Success Team work and plans for two‑way parent texting

Superintendent Mary Jane Evink reviewed proposed edits to the district’s Parent‑Caregiver Perception Survey and outlined broader family‑engagement efforts at the Teaching & Learning Committee meeting on May 4.

Evink said the district typically sends the survey in March, keeps it open for several weeks and closes it before spring break. Students in grades 3, 5, 7 and 10 also complete the survey; this year the district received 244 responses, slightly fewer than the prior year. Committee members suggested changing the email subject line (for example, using “survey” or “response requested”) to improve open rates.

Evink described the Student Success Team — a 40‑member group that includes parents — as a source of implementation ideas; she said the team recommended asking elementary parents in advance what they want to discuss during parent‑teacher conferences. Evink clarified the team provides suggestions and principals make final decisions on conference format.

On district‑parent communications, Evink said she is working with Nate Hunt and Cecil Hammond to develop an in‑house two‑way text messaging system that would allow parents to respond directly, noting commercial software exists but carries a high cost. Committee members cautioned against offering too many engagement options that would burden working parents and suggested allowing parents to choose one option from a menu of opportunities.

Evink said administrators completed one hour of professional learning with family engagement expert Ari Gerzon and that another training is scheduled for June. In her Superintendent’s Update, Evink also reminded trustees about the upcoming Duneside groundbreaking and raised the topic of possible improvements to graduation ceremonies.

Next steps: staff will pursue the two‑way texting pilot design, refine survey language to improve response rates, and bring any recommended changes to principals for approval.