Poll shows cautious community support for Medford School District local option levy, with student safety and CTE as top priorities

Patinkin Research Strategies presented results of a summer poll to the Medford School District board at a virtual Lunch & Learn on Sept. 11, reporting that community support for a proposed local option levy is contingent on cost and on what the levy would fund.

The poll presentation, led by Ben Patinkin and Maggie Simich, covered methodology, respondent demographics and key findings. The presentation noted that “Top tier funding items included dedicated staff for student safety and well-being, and expanding college and Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities.” Pollsters told the board that initial interest among respondents changed after participants received more detailed information about levy proposals and projected uses.

Patinkin representatives said the data showed a clear effect from price sensitivity: support declined as levy price points rose, and the specific package of services included in a ballot measure materially affected likely voter support. Board members pressed presenters for breakdowns by respondent group — current parents, parents of former students and residents who have never had students in district schools — and for more detail on the demographic sample that produced the findings.

The poll's findings give the district a menu of priorities it could frame for voters if it moves forward: safety and well-being staff and expanded CTE programs were consistently reported at the top of respondents’ lists. Patinkin Research Strategies provided the board with these topline results and indicated additional demographic details and methodological notes in their full report.