Whenever someone utters the phrase “survey results,” I immediately perk up. Nothing is more interesting to me than the enlightened, clueless or just amazingly strange responses possible when the masses are polled. I have met some of the masses, and they are a quirky bunch.
When Grand Blanc Schools Communications Coordinator Mary Nerreter presented her findings from a recent parent satisfaction survey at Monday’s school board meeting, I listened intently, mostly because it is my job to listen, but also because a part of me was hoping for some off-the-wall or unfeasible responses.
Sadly, the 100 or so respondents did not suggest anything outlandish, but they did offer a glimpse into just how hard it is to meet the wants and needs of a community with varying interests. Here is a sampling of some of the data collected.
First off, I was amazed that someone actually put down that they watch GBH-TV, the district’s television station, as much as 3-6 hours per week. Consider that the average working parent can normally only squeeze about three hours of television a day at most into their busy schedule, and this parent is spending upwards of 20 percent of his or her viewing time on school-related subjects. That is commitment.
Others, when asked how to improve readership of newsletters and participation in PTO meetings, got right to the point: offer some swag. Giving “gifts or incentives to increase attendance” at meetings and “include a coupon or promotion to get more parents to read it (newsletters)” were both responses. Another parent’s response when asked for suggestions to improve communication? “Schools should not use newsletters as an advertising medium.” I guess you can’t win.
Similar contradiction came back when asked about GBH-TV. Seven parents responded that they would like to see more sporting events televised on the channel. How many parents would like to see fewer sports on the channel? You guessed it...seven.
Another parent giving input on school newsletters suggested more school-related activities and photos. It makes sense; what better way to promote the individuality of your students and school by printing photos of their accomplishments in the newsletter? One parent also had a suggestion for making the newsletters more useful. How about eliminating the photos?
Despite the maddening discrepancies in responses, the district seems extremely committed to taking input from parents to heart to improve communication. In fact, there are plans to have the same survey online in the near future and also send home a survey in late winter or early spring.
Although school officials are sure to get more suggestions than they thought possible (or even wanted), early survey results indicate that a high percentage of parents are happy with the schools. A question asked parents whether their visits to individual schools had been positive or negative. All 79 who responded to the question chose positive.
Overwhelmingly, the opinions expressed seemed optimistic and helpful, and the sampling was large enough that the percentages will probably not change much when more parents are heard from. I just wouldn’t want to be the one to analyze the results.

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