Majority ‘positive’ regarding ‘climate’ at BUSD, survey shows

Over a period of about three weeks in September, more than 4,000 parents, students and staff members responded to a survey regarding the “climate” in Burbank Unified’s schools and its services.

“Climate” refers to issues such as learning environment, safety, support services and educational programs, according to a district report on the survey results.

In all, 4,372 people responded to the survey, the majority of whom, at 2,923, were parents, followed by 856 district employees, 577 students and 16 community members.

A total of 65% of students who responded think schools “provide a positive learning environment,” according to the district report. That figure climbed to 87% when parents answered the question and even higher — to 96% — when Burbank Unified employees responded.

When asked whether parents felt “well-engaged” with their child’s school, more than 80% of parents said their school encourages parental participation and that their school responds “professionally” to any questions or concerns raised by parents.

Also, 80% of parents felt that principals and office staff are “available” and “accessible.”

The survey was administered by Arlington, Va.- based Hanover Research Inc., which the district hired in February for $35,000. Officials plan to take a close look at the results to gain perspective on how the district and its services are regarded.

“Staff have every intention of using the feedback from this survey to deeply reflect on how the surveyed groups perceive the culture and climate of the schools and services of the district,” according to the report.

The Burbank Unified school board is expected to discuss all of the results during a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Burbank City Hall, 275 E Olive Ave.

--

Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan