News : VSCSD releases Fall 2025 Parent and Staff Survey Results

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District has released the results of its fall staff and parent surveys, which were conducted by School Perceptions, an independent educational research firm. The surveys are designed to measure perceptions of school climate, communication, and district priorities. Questions are rated on a five-point scale in which “strongly disagree” equals 1, “strongly agree” equals 5, and a score of 3 represents the midpoint. Responses of “don’t know/doesn’t apply” are not included in the calculations. The full set of results and data visuals can be seen in the accompanying presentation, which is attached.

A total of 179 staff members completed the staff survey, representing a 58 percent participation rate. The parent survey received 368 responses, a 25 percent participation rate. The combined feedback offers a reliable view of how employees and families perceive the district’s strengths and areas for continued growth.

Survey results show that staff members report a high level of pride in Vinton-Shellsburg schools. Many questions related to school culture, relationships, and commitment to students received favorable ratings. Staff members also rated the district positively when asked how likely they would be to recommend VSCSD as a workplace, giving it an average score of 7.58 on a 10-point scale. This exceeds the comparison score of 6.98 from similar districts and suggests strong overall employee satisfaction. 

Staff responses also pointed to opportunities for improvement. Many highlighted the need for clearer communication across buildings and departments, especially during times of change. Respondents also noted the importance of managing workload demands and ensuring that new initiatives are supported with adequate time and resources. These areas will help inform how the district approaches internal communication and staff support moving forward.

Parent responses reflected similar strengths. Families expressed confidence in classroom instruction, the welcoming nature of school environments, and staff commitment to students. When asked to rate district communication on the five-point scale, parents gave Vinton-Shellsburg a 3.06, slightly above the comparison score of 2.97. This indicates that communication is generally viewed favorably while still leaving room for refinement and consistency. 

Both surveys included a question related to possible changes in school and grade configurations, which the district is exploring as part of long-term planning. Results showed a range of perspectives. Staff responses differed depending on the building in which they work, while parent responses varied by attendance zone. These data points will help the district better understand how different parts of the community view potential changes and will be considered alongside facility studies, enrollment trends, and instructional needs.

The district plans to use the results to guide ongoing improvement efforts. Priorities include strengthening communication practices, providing additional support for staff workload and well-being, and continuing community discussions about grade alignment. The surveys offer valuable insight into how staff and families experience the district today and what they believe will help Vinton-Shellsburg move forward in the years ahead.