Hinton Community Offers Valuable Input via Survey
Needs assessment survey results will help the district, board plan for the future
HINTON, IOWA — The results of a recent needs assessment survey are providing the Hinton Community School District with valuable insights as district leaders and school board members plan for the future.
The survey was open February 7-18, 2022, and received 296 responses from parents, staff, students and community members.
About 85 percent of respondents reported that they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I am satisfied with the Hinton Community School District.” Community members left a variety of responses when asked to provide more detail, but many referred to the district’s small class sizes, caring staff and quality programs. Some indicated dissatisfaction with items like the district’s lunch offerings and the need to repair or replace facilities.
When asked how they would describe Hinton CSD to someone who is not familiar with it, a large number of respondents referred to items like the district’s small-town feel, small class sizes, caring teachers and staff and opportunities for students to get involved in many programs and activities.
More than 80 percent of respondents had at least some familiarity with the district’s facility needs. However, only about 17 percent indicated they were “very familiar” with the process the School Board is using to find solutions to these needs. Another 48 percent said they were “somewhat familiar” with the process. This suggests an opportunity to continue to communicate and engage the community in the process.
Community members were also asked to share which short-term and long-term improvements they would like to see Hinton CSD make. A key theme that emerged was the need to replace or renovate current district facilities. Offering more robust electives or extracurriculars, in addition to sports, was also mentioned often.
The final question asked respondents to share any additional thoughts they may have as the board considers potential solutions to the district’s needs. Support for teachers was a common theme, as was addressing facility needs, improving school meals and student and staff safety.
“We want to thank all of our community members who took the time to provide us with their thoughts and feedback regarding our schools and the challenges and opportunities ahead of us,” said Ken Slater, Superintendent. “We were able to gather a wide range of insights and perspectives that will be incredibly valuable to us as we plan for the future, especially when it comes to addressing our facility needs. We look forward to continuing this process in the weeks and months to come.”