Dist. 204 earns high marks from residents

Based on the most recent grades given by the community, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 should be proud to hang this "report card" on the fridge.

Monday night, board members learned the results of the $17,750 survey of 403 residents done to gauge community reaction to - and satisfaction with - the district's classroom programs and student services. The survey also explored community reaction to retrofitting the district's schools with air conditioning.

J. Bradford Senden of the California-based Center for Community Opinion, the firm that conducted the random phone survey, said the district received relatively high marks in several key areas.

When asked what grade participants would give the district's schools, 87 percent responded they would give an "A" or "B." The last time the community was surveyed in 2005, only 76 percent of the community gave similar grades.

A high percentage of those giving the district high marks often commented that the positive scores were the result of positive interaction either the respondent or their child had with a teacher or administrator.

"That signals a great accomplishment for teachers," board member Cathy Piehl said. "I'm very happy about that."

The district also made strides in communication - an area listed as a priority by Superintendent Kathryn Birkett, as well as many board members.

When asked to rate how well the school district keeps the community informed, 53 percent said the district does an "excellent" or "above-average" job. In 2005, only 35 percent gave similar marks.

Participants also gave high marks to the district's buildings, financial management and educational programs.

But respondents are not ready to fund the $107 per resident tax hike needed to add air conditioning to the elementary schools. Only about 45 percent supported the idea, while 53 percent opposed it.

"Our board has not proposed adding air conditioning, but the discussion surfaces from time-to-time, especially when we have warm weather at the start of the school year," Birkett said. "It's helpful for the board to have this information, should they consider this option in the future."

Board member Alka Tyle said she was satisfied with the initial results of the survey, but also looked forward to continue improving.

"I'm looking forward to seeing more detailed breakdowns to help us continue to grow," she said. "This is good information."

The entire survey is on the district's Web site at ipsdweb.ipsd.org/Documents/0910/CommunitySurveyResults01.25.10.pdf.