By Gary Lloyd
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Results of the Jefferson County School System’s survey about its future have been revealed.
People’s opinions of the school system were dominantly positive in terms of safety, facilities and learning.
VIDEO: Watch Gary Lloyd talk about the Jefferson County School System strategic plan.
Of those who took the survey, 58 percent agreed that schools in the system have strong, effective leadership. Seventy-three percent of respondents agreed that county schools are safe places for students and employees. Sixty-one percent agreed that Jefferson County students are prepared academically for success after graduation. Twenty-four percent disagreed, while the remaining 15 percent wasn’t sure.
Sixty-nine percent of those who took the survey agreed that schools and their grounds are well maintained and attractive. Eighty-two percent agreed that Jefferson County schools are assets to their communities.
Of the Jefferson County School System employees who participated in the survey, 83 percent agreed that their school/work site is a safe environment for students and employees. Just 10 percent disagreed, while the other 7 percent wasn’t sure.
Where survey respondents showed a lack of confidence was in the category of money.
Just 44 percent of those polled agreed that the system was operating in a cost-effective way. Thirty-four percent of respondents agreed that resources were equitably and fairly distributed in the system, while 35 percent disagreed and 31 percent wasn’t sure. Of the Jefferson County School System employees who took the survey, 43 percent agreed that resources were fairly distributed, while 31 percent disagreed and 26 percent wasn’t sure.
The online survey was posted to the school system’s website in early October 2014.
The Jefferson County Board of Education in July 2014 voted to award an $80,000 contract to consulting firm Burke Enterprises, LLC to oversee the development of the strategic plan. The goal of the development of the strategic plan was to include all municipal mayors, stakeholders, parents and school employees.
Seven community zone forums were then held to discuss the system’s five-year strategic planning project. The final one was held Oct. 28, 2014 at Pinson Valley High School. The community forums were held to allow employees, parents, students and members of the public to give input into the planning.
The identified stakeholder priorities include: review, revise school attendance zones and transportation routes; expand career readiness; provide safe, modern and well-maintained facilities and current technology; and engage in effective communication.
Out of the strategic planning came a proposed slogan. It is “Enlighten. Engage. Empower.”
The proposed mission statement of the Jefferson County School System is: “The mission of the Jefferson County School System is to ensure rigorous learning for all through engaging, innovative instruction, responsible resource management, and meaningful community and family collaboration focused on student success.”
For complete results of the survey and a draft of the strategic plan, visit www.jefcoed.com.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.