BELLE — Maries R-2 Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham on Nov. 28 shared the results of the district’s Culture/Climate Survey, emphasizing an increase in positive perception of school safety.

According to Basham’s report to the board of education, the overall survey indicated a more positive perception of the district in general, as well as specific categories.

“Respondents of all surveys had an increased perception of all voices being heard,” Basham said. “We had large increases in the positive perception of school safety, security and that students are treated with respect. There was an increase in the parent perception that school rules are enforced equally. However, students had a decrease in this perception at the high school level.”

The district received at least two grants in 2023 to improve safety features on the Belle and Bland campuses.

“At the district level, we have put a lot of focus and resources on safety and security,” Basham said. “It is clear that this focus has created an environment where all feel safer.”

The district conducted its Culture/Climate Survey slightly different this year, as four separate surveys went out to staff, parents/community, and high and middle school students. Basham said they didn’t have as many responses from families and the community as they did last year, but responses remained mostly consistent.

“It is also clear that I am not communicating the results of this survey back to respondents in a way that they remember,” she said. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires the school system provide Culture/Climate data reports periodically to all stake holders. When questioned if they thought the statement true, 41 percent of parents agreed, 89 percent of staff agreed and 69 percent of students agreed.

“The other weakness of this survey was the very small family and community response to this years’ survey,” Basham said in her board report. “This may be tied to the above perception that the results were not shared after the survey. We had 51 respondents in 2022 and 37 respondents in 2023. We are considering shortening the survey and providing parents the space to complete it at parent/teacher conferences next year.”

According to the graph of surveyed Oct. 15, 2023, participants: 37 were parents, 55 were educators or staff, and 405 were parents.

The board did not take action on the survey results.