HPISD Reviews Campus Climate Survey Results

Parents and students who responded to HPISD’s campus climate survey gave the district top marks for safety and security, and said teachers treat students with respect. 

But fewer than half of parents said the district provides quality academic or college advising, and 49 percent agreed with a statement that their child needs outside tutoring to understand course content.

Deputy superintendent Shorr Heathcote reviewed some of the survey results during the Board of Trustees’ April 16 meeting. She focused on areas where respondents had given the district the highest scores, as well as areas where the district has opportunities for improvement.

Versions of the survey were sent to parents, students in third through 12^th grade, and district and campus staff. Complete results will be available online later in the week of April 15, Heathcote told the board. Among the highlights of the report were:

At least 97 percent of third through sixth graders who participated in the survey agreed that:

• Teachers expect me to do my very best.
• My teacher(s) genuinely care(s) about me.
• My family talks to me about things going on in my school.
• I know my school’s safety and security drills.
• I feel safe in my school.
• Adults in this school treat students with respect.
• My school expects me to be honest on my assignments.

The fewest third through sixth graders agreed with the statements:

• I can talk to an adult if I have a personal problem. (81 percent)
• My school library makes me excited about reading books. (77 percent)

At least 90 percent of seventh through 12^th graders who completed surveys agreed that:

• Teachers set high expectations for all students.
• This school is safe.
• The school community is aware of the safety and security procedures.
• I have at least one friend at school.
• The principal and/or assistant principals are visible on campus throughout the school day.
• This school provides quality library services.
• This school provides quality extracurricular activities and programs.

The fewest seventh through 12^th graders agreed that:

• There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom I can go to for help with a personal problem. (60 percent)

Among parents, more than 90 percent agreed that:

• The school is safe
• Staff members treat students with respect.
• The school is clean and well maintained.

49 percent of parents agreed that: “(m)y child needs outside tutoring to understand course content.” Around half of parents agreed with statements that:

• My child’s school provides quality academic and/or college advising (44 percent)
• Staff members are responsive when students report bullying or other safety concerns. (50 percent)
• Discipline is enforced fairly for all students. (50 percent)
• The school has and enforces a dress code policy for students and staff that fosters a positive learning environment. (56 percent)
• I regularly receive information and materials to help my child at home. (55 percent)

Heathcote said that principals and administrators will consider the data to identify strengths and areas of improvement for district and campus improvement plans.

“I’m excited about this process,” Board president Maryjane Bonfield said after the presentation. “It really can become a baseline for us to measure ourselves by in years going forward to see where we can improve, because that’s what we’re always seeking to do.”

In other business, the Board of Trustees reviewed changes to the 2024-25 schedule that will add five minutes to the school day, allowing the district to bank additional minutes that can be used in the event of inclement weather or other unplanned closures. 

The 2024-25 schedules are:

• Elementary School: 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Intermediate/Middle School: 8 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
• High School: 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Board member Bryce Benson expressed concern about traffic around the middle and intermediate campus, where students now have staggered start times. Heathcote explained that the change will allow the district to use teachers more effectively on the campus, and that doors will open at 7:15 a.m.

“We’re not a 7:15 family,” Benson said to laughter from the audience.

The Board of Trustees also approved the adoption of new science instructional materials, which are needed to ensure HPISD meets updated state standards. Click HERE to read more People Newspapers coverage about the instructional materials.