Better Communication Is Goal After School Survey

Results of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District’s most recent performance survey show that students, parents and staff members are satisfied overall.

But some responses indicate possible communication problems, district officials said as they revealed the results at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

More than 80% of district faculty, students and parents responded to the April survey, which is distributed every two years as an evaluation tool, Assistant Supt. Ken Stichter said.

Some poor ratings may have been caused by poor communication, and officials will look at ways to correct the problems, Stichter said. “This data will drive a lot of the decision-making over the next two years,” he said.

The district includes more than 10,200 students and about 1,200 employees.

Although students responded that they are satisfied with their teachers and learning environment, they were the district’s harshest critics. They said that they don’t enjoy school, are concerned about poor school spirit and peer behavior and that disciplinary policies and practices are not consistent.

While parents agreed with students on that last point, they gave high ratings to teachers, grading practices, academic courses, activities and school grounds.

From the staff responses, employees said they were satisfied with their jobs, have strong respect for their colleagues and find school campuses to be safe and in good condition. But they overwhelmingly said their workload is excessive and cited a lack of adequate recognition for their performance.

Students will meet in October with district leaders to discuss the survey results. Principals soon will present findings from individual schools.