The Hastings School Board planned to review results of a survey of district residents at its work session on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

The district contracted with Wisconsin-based School Perceptions for the survey, conducted earlier this fall.

The district received over 3,000 total responses to the survey, including 740 from parents or guardians, according to Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa. The survey will also be an agenda item for the regular school board meeting this month, set for Nov. Tuesday, Nov. 21, a day earlier than normal because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“The board will be reviewing the survey in its entirety at the business meeting in November, which will be followed by a published report and plan of action,” according to Champa.

She highlighted one aspect of the survey: When families were asked what the district priorities should be for future planning, following is the top 10 responses. Parents/guardians were asked to select their top four priorities.

1. School Safety and Security – 50.9%.
2. Recruit and retain high-quality staff – 46.2%.
3. Student behavior/discipline – 43.5%.
4. Mental health services for students – 41.2%.
5. Career and technical education (trades, business/marketing, health services) 40.8%.
6. College credit opportunities for students – 28.1%.
7. Understanding of diversity (economic backgrounds, cultural backgrounds, values/opinions) – 18.6%.
8. Communication with parents and the community – 17.7%.
9. Activities and clubs (such as DECA, musicals, plays, forensics) – 17.3%.
10. Community business partnerships (youth apprenticeships, co-ops, mentoring) – 16.2%.