School district releases survey results School district releases survey results (April 09, 2004)

Parents say district communication lacking

By Julie O'Shea

Previously sealed questions to a survey given to Mountain View-Whisman parents a year ago were released last week. Answers included praise for school programs and teachers but also revealed an intense dissatisfaction with district communication.

Administrators said they have brushed up on their communication skills since last spring and are hoping for a passing grade when the results are tallied for this year's Communication Action Team survey, which consisted of 50 multiple-choice questions and a few open-ended queries about the strengths and weakness of district schools. The surveys were due back at district headquarters last week, and officials hope to have the results by June.

School officials originally wanted to keep the essay answers confidential as a way "to encourage open and honest feedback," said Superintendent Jim Negri. However, such information is considered part of the public record and after consulting with the district's attorney, Negri released a redacted version to the Voice.

"I have redacted derogatory or defamatory comments that identified specific individuals," Negri wrote on a cover page of the survey results.

"It is important to note that the open-ended responses reflect the viewpoint of only one individual," Negri's letter stated. "Please keep in mind that these responses are one year old (and) that many of the issues have been addressed."

In response to the district's perceived lack of communication, Mountain View-Whisman officials organized a series of town hall-style community meetings, giving parents a forum to voice concerns and suggestions.

Also, Negri added, he sent out more news releases about district events and meetings, and a newsletter goes home to parents every month in both English and Spanish.

"It's just part of an ongoing effort to get information from a lot of different ways," Negri said.

School board trustee Ellen Wheeler, who has served on the communication survey team since it was started three years ago, said she was surprised to read parents were unhappy with this district's communication efforts.

"It was almost like parents were reacting to their frustrations from a year ago," Wheeler said, adding that she feels the district has really improved in the communication department since Negri was hired in 2002.

"Almost everyone is satisfied with their own school," Wheeler added.

Negri said the surveys are helpful for spotting trends and pinpointing improvements and concerns. Last year, the district sent out roughly 4,400 surveys and received 837 back.

E-mail Julie O'Shea at joshea@mv-voice.com

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