Richmond Public Schools

For Immediate Release
March 17, 2015
NR#35
2014-2015

Richmond Public Schools Shares Results of
Community Perspectives Survey 

Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is releasing the results of its first Community Perspectives Survey — an important part of the district’s Leadership by Listening initiative.   Open from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2014, the survey asked parents, employees and community members to share their views about topics that impact educational outcomes and employee satisfaction. 

After an extensive outreach campaign, the district received 1,862 responses, including 347 from parents, 900 from teachers, 17 from students and 101 from community partners.  “We made a tremendous effort to ensure that every person knew about this survey and had an opportunity to participate,” said School Superintendent Dana T. Bedden. “We’re committed to giving everyone a voice in the future of Richmond Public Schools.   If you participated in this process, thank you. Please stay connected to us, as we will continue to ask for your input and feedback. If you did not, we’re still listening. I encourage you to get involved and share your thoughts because every voice matters in RPS.” 

Here are some notable survey findings: 

Strengths

• 70% of participants rated the educational quality of their school as Excellent or Good.
• 80% rated the quality of services from the Superintendent’s Office as Excellent or Good.
• 92% said there is a teacher, counselor or staff member a student can go to for help with a school problem.
• 91% were familiar with the Student Code of Responsible Ethics.

Opportunities for Growth

• Only 34% of parents and employees agreed that students do not threaten each other.
• Only 42% said that students do not threaten staff members.
• 49% said staff members have the support they need to maintain order and discipline.
• 37% said they were satisfied with the number of business and community partnerships.

School Leadership

• 80% of school-based employees said they have a positive relationship with their director or supervisor.
• 62% said their director’s or supervisor’s actions are consistent with their words.

School Climate

• 79% of parents and school-based employees said high learning standards are set for students.
• 76% said high expectations are set for students.
• 77% said students are treated fairly regardless of race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disabilities.
• Only 52% agreed that staff members talk positively about students in staff areas.

Relationships and Partnerships

• 91% of participants said parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend school and district activities.
• Only 55% said parent/guardian input is used to improve instruction.
• 77% agreed that parent/guardian input about learning needs is respected and valued.
• 78% agreed that business and community partnerships should be added.

Safe and Orderly Environments

• 75% of responding employees and parents said students are safe in school.
• Only 29% agreed that students do not bully each other.
• 72% said hallways, classrooms and common areas are kept clean.
• 41% said educators have the resources — textbooks, computer, visual aids, etc. — they need to teach effectively.

Technology improvements were also identified as critical needs for RPS. The survey also asked a series of questions about school and district facilities. Those results are being reviewed by the RPS Facilities Task Force and will be shared separately.

 “We understand how important the facilities issue is to our community, and we want to address it in a strategic and prudent manner,” Dr. Bedden said. “We appreciate our community’s candor and willingness to partner with us in these efforts. We’re using your feedback to drive positive changes in RPS.”

For more information about the results or to view the survey report, go to http://web.richmond.k12.va.us/AboutRPS/YourVoice.aspx.

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