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District says 518 people completed pre‑referendum survey; administrators explain why 2023‑24 DPI data was used
Summary
Administrators told the board 518 responses had been received to a pre‑referendum survey and explained the survey used 2023–24 audited DPI data because 2024–25 information was not yet publicly available; staff urged residents to complete surveys by the June 20 administrative preview.
Somerset School District administrators told the board on June 15 that 518 responses had been received for a pre‑referendum survey and outlined the timeline for analyzing and presenting the results.
A public commenter asked why the survey used 2023–24 school‑year comparisons instead of 2024–25. Dr. Campbell replied that 2023–24 is the most recent audited data available on the state Department of Public Instruction (DPI) website, and that 2024–25 audited figures are not yet published. She also explained the district hired School Perceptions to administer the survey process (not to create or alter DPI data) because the vendor provides unique respondent codes to prevent duplicate submissions and offers data analysis tools to produce actionable results.
Administrators said responses usually stabilize after roughly 500 returns; the district had 518 responses as of about an hour before the meeting. Staff asked residents to complete the survey promptly — they said mailed responses may lag — and noted an administrative preview with the vendor was scheduled for June 20 and a board presentation on July 6.
Officials said the survey is designed to inform whether the district should pursue an operational referendum and, if so, at what level, and that analysis will include an assessment of likely community support for different levy levels.
