fff's fcps staff temperature check / surveypresentation to school board

FCPS Staff Temperature Check / SurveyPresentation to School Board

March, 2015

http://www.focusonfluvanna.org/Welcome.aspx

FFF SB Presentation_11Mar15_Final.pptx

2

Our Objectives Today

Introduce our first School Staff Temperature Check (Survey)

Share results and opportunities identified in the survey

Provide thoughts on what questions the School Board can be asking to start addressing some of the opportunities identified

Encourage the School Board to proactively engage Board of Supervisors and make case for 2015/2016 budget request




3

FFF, in collaboration with the FEA, ran a survey in late January to assess the current temperature check of FCPS staff

ObjectivesObjectives

1. Provide school staff an independent opportunity to share views/temp check on how FCPS is doing today in select areas critical to our education system

2. Provide a mechanism to track trending of staff perceptions over time to both identify when progress is being made and when opportunities/concerns are rising

3. Collect recommendations on how to address these identified opportunities

4. Share a summary snapshot of current and trending results at School Board meetings

ApproachApproach

1. With input from school staff, the FEA, and parents, we developed an online, anonymous survey using Survey Monkey

2. A survey link was distributed via the FEA through their distribution and contact lists with instructions for anyone not on that list to ask the FEA directly for the survey link

3. The survey was live for 7 days.

4. The results have been analyzed and are now available to the public via the FEA and FFF.

5. A summary of findings will be shared with the School Board on March 11th

6. Subsequent surveys will include a trending analysis to assess evolution over time




4

Our 147 sample size exceeded the 142 sample in the official FCPS survey run last May

West Central Primary / Central

Elemantry25%

Carysbrook El-ementary

17%Fluvanna Middle School

33%

Fluvanna High School

25%

For Which School Do You Work?

Classroom Teacher

83%

Professional / Administra-

tive10%

Support Staff7%

Which Staff Category Do You Belong?

N=147

Source: FFF/FEA Monthly School Staff Temp Check, January 2015.Note: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.




5

DISCLOSUREIMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE READING SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

• Our sample size is larger than the FCPS May survey and our summary represents the perceptions/opinions shared by staff via comments in survey

• Our findings are not meant to make any formal assessment of the truth or validity of each statement, but to recognize that the perspectives of each individual represents their views and should be heard and valued.

• In some cases the perceived problems/challenges may be very serious and real, in others it may be a case of perception and/or lack of communication.

• Either way, any concern (especially those voiced with regularity) represent an opportunity which we hope leadership will acknowledge and address.

The core objective of this exercise is to provide a safe mechanism for staff to share views, insights, and recommendations to start the process of addressing these opportunities and to move FCPS forward!

The core objective of this exercise is to provide a safe mechanism for staff to share views, insights, and recommendations to start the process of addressing these opportunities and to move FCPS forward!




6









7

Initial Observations

FCPS staff truly valued the opportunity to speak up and be heard through this independent survey

The schools are clearly still struggling to recover from poor funding decisions made by previous Board of Supervisors

These challenges are further exacerbated by unfunded state and federal mandates, as well as the emerging, nationwide culture of testing

Further, there appears to be a deepening gap in communication and trust between staff, administration, and the School Board

While lack of adequate funding remains a core concern, opportunities exist to address a wide range of challenges with minimal investment required



8FFF SB Presentation_11Mar15_Final.pptx

A wide range of budget and curriculum related challenges have had a negative impact on FCPS staff sentiment

21%

19%

29%

22%

22%

16%

15%

8%

21%

32%

30%

34%

25%

9%

Agree Strongly Agree

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

19%

Overall Results

28%

12%

18%

7%

7%

22%

24%

41%

56%

52%

61%

40%

29% Satisfaction

Leadership

Budget

Feedback and Input

Effective Use of Time

Instructional Autonomy

Curriculum

16%

5%

5%

13%

8%

20%

13%

6%

2%

2%

5%

4%

8%

6%

Note: “Somewhat Disagree”, “Neither Agree nor Disagree”, and “Somewhat Agree” not shown


CurriculumThe current FCPS curriculum in my school enables me to help each of my students reach their highest potential and to be successful in their future

Instructional AutonomyI can choose the instructional methods, student assessments, and classroom

management techniques that best fit each unique group of learners.Effective Use of Time

Time spent on meetings and tasks required by the administration enhances my professional growth and/or instruction, and also leaves me with sufficient time

to complete all school related tasks to the satisfaction of my employer and myself.

Feedback and input I believe the administration is transparent in their decision making process, and my opinions can be heard and considered in a risk-free environment.

Budget I feel school leaders are working toward reasonable class sizes, technology investments, effective resource allocation, instructional funds reaching the

classroom, and locally competitive compensation

LeadershipI believe the School Board has outlined a clear and actionable multi-year strategic vision and roadmap for the future of Fluvanna Schools; and is

actively engaged and committed to achieve it

SatisfactionOverall, I am satisfied working for Fluvanna County Public Schools




9

7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree

4Neither Agreenor Disagree

7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


Our FCPS Temp Check is starting at a low base with only 3 of 35 (<10%) data points inside the green (Agree)

Curriculum

InstructionalAutonomy

Effective Useof Time

Feedback and Input

Budget

Leadership

Satisfaction

High School

Middle School

Overall

Carysbrook

Central





10

Below are comments/themes on opportunities which arose regularly throughout the survey commentary

CurriculumCurriculum

Negative impact of state mandates (e.g., SOLs), but more can be done in FCPS despite constraints

Lack of focus and support for STEM

Major concern by staff for the lack of gifted program

Perceived insufficient support and ineffective approach for struggling students

Instructional AutonomyInstructional Autonomy

Staff perceive focus and mandate is on testing, not learning

Teachers feel they are seen as a commoditized staff asked to robotically teach one-size-fits all

Teachers perceive lack of empowerment to meet students’ needs

Need more teachers in classroom and fewer non-teachers dictating one-size fits all programs

Effective Use of TimeEffective Use of Time

Concerned over lack of allocated planning time

Too much time spent analyzing data vs. focusing on teaching

The time taken up by ineffective meetings has been increasing and largely have minimal impact on enhancing classroom instruction

Feedback and InputFeedback and Input

Many comments noted a fear that providing feedback and recommendations puts them at risk of retribution.

General sentiment that teachers do not feel they are valued and respected

Perception that decisions are not made transparently and are done without input

Believe advisory meetings, school survey, etc. are check-the-box exercises and not taken seriously

BudgetBudget

Most staff acknowledge efforts are being made to increase funding, but are not convinced existing resources are best allocated to-date

The lack of basic technology, puts FCPS far behind surrounding systems

Class sizes are too large and more money needs to reach the classroom

Instructional and classroom supplies budget have been slashed to almost nothing

LeadershipLeadership

Most believe the SB has been trying under difficult circumstances, they also believe SB lacks a vision and strategy

There is a large sentiment that the SB is not an independent leadership body, rather a rubber stamp / mouthpiece

Staff believe the SB has had little engagement with teachers and are disconnected from reality

Source: FFF/FEA Monthly School Staff Temp Check, January 2015.




11









12

Staff shared thoughts on questions the School Board can answer to help address some of the identified opportunities

CurriculumCurriculum

What VA districts do you see as the model that we should strive to mirror?

What STEM programs are in place and what is planned in the near future?

What exactly are students identified as “Gifted” provided in the schools today?

Do you (SB) realize the challenge placed on teachers with such wide diversity of student abilities and resulting inability to meet individual children's needs?

Instructional AutonomyInstructional Autonomy

How aware are you of which testing is mandated by the state vs. those which FCPS has voluntarily opted in?

Have you considered using teachers with consistently high test scores as coaches instead of others who are not in the classroom day to day?

Why do we spend so much $ on non-student facing staff instead of teachers?

Effective Use of TimeEffective Use of Time

What process is in place to ensure meetings are being run effectively and achieving their end goal?

Have you (SB) ever sat in a PLC or PD to see what is being covered in these mandatory, time-consuming meetings?

How much time does the School Board believe teachers should be working outside of school hours?

Feedback and InputFeedback and Input

What specific actions have been taken to address the results from school surveys?

What can be done to help create safe environment for staff to share recommendations and insights on how to improve education in Fluvanna?

What can be done to show teachers and staff that they value their opinions/expertise?

BudgetBudget

How many SB have met with BOS to make case for school funding request this budget cycle?

How does Fluvanna compare to surrounding communities with regards to use of technology in the classroom?

What efforts are being done to address increasing class sizes?

What is being done to ensure FCPS uses leading practices (e.g., networking, training, conferences, etc)?

LeadershipLeadership

How many of your decisions are being made based on teacher/staff feedback vs. the administration’s message?

How many times have each of you (SB) been in the schools this year?

What is the School Board’s 5-Year vision and what is the roadmap to achieve it?

Source: FFF/FEA Monthly School Staff Temp Check, January 2015.




13

Closing Comments on Survey and Recommendations

It is really impressive to see how strong our teachers and staff have kept our schools despite serious budget challenges

We believe there are opportunities for the School Board to help give a voice to teachers and staff

Teachers and staff are willing to share specific recommendations, but ask for help and commitment to ensure their voice will be heard without retribution

The good news is many of these recommendations do not require significant financial investments

Overwhelming majority of concerns relate to Communications, Trust, and Respect

We have two specific recommendations for the School Board to consider:

1) Acknowledge the opportunities identified by staff and commit to come back with recommendations

2) Co-develop a plan with staff and administration to hold year-end, independently facilitated workshop to collaboratively develop action plan to address opportunities, map out next steps, and agree on metrics to track success/progress

There is an immediate opportunity to better make your 2015/16 budget case to the BOS.There is an immediate opportunity to better make your 2015/16 budget case to the BOS.




14









Local Funding

State/FederalFunding

Total Funding

2009 Level of Local Funding

2009 Level of Total FundingKenney Budgets$38.66$37.82

$33.91 $34.30$33.11 $33.98

$35.72

This year’s total FCPS budget is still 8%

below 2009 funding

The Schools have faced significant budget cuts over past 6 years, but very few in the community realize FCPS are still 8% below 2009

Local Fluvanna funding of schools is still below 2009

funding levels

Source: Data from Superintendent ‘15/16 budget proposal




Kenney Budgets FCPS ADM (Student Population)

FCPS Total Budget

While ADMa began its decline after years of slashed school budget, school funding has declined at a much faster pace than ADM

Source: Data from Superintendent ‘15/16 budget proposala. ADM: Average Daily Membership

Student ADM began its decline in 2013 after

multiple years of the BOS slashing school funding

FCPS ADM vs. School Budget Compared to 2009 Baseline, 2009 - 2015




Out of 132 VA school districts, Fluvanna now spends 13th least per pupil and has the 7th largest K-7 class sizes in all of Virginia

In just two years, K-7 class sizes in FCPS

increased over 20% from 2011 to 2013

Source: Latest DOE Superintendent Reports




2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 201594%

96%

98%

100%

102%

FCPS Salary Evolution vs. 2009 Salary, 2009 2015Kenney Budgets

3.5% - 4.5% paycut

SalariesFrozen

Salaries Frozen and 3 furloughs (1.5% cut)

2% increase (mostly funded via State)

$300-$500 (~0.1%) increase per staff

Budget cuts resulted in FCPS staff making less in 2015 than 2009

Source: Data from Superintendent ‘15/16 budget proposal




Kenney BudgetsGeneral Fund (all County Budget excluding School and Debt Service)

County Total Budget

School (County Contribution)

Debt Service

FCPS has unfairly been blamed for rising local taxes, but the truth is local spend on FCPS is only 2% more than it was in 2010

Source: Data from County Administrator

School (State/Fed Contribution)

The reduction in state/federal school funding is the

equivalent of ~10 cents on our Fluvanna Real Estate tax rate




And despite our higher tax rate, the median Fluvanna home owner spends less on Real Estate tax than many surrounding counties

Source: Data from County Administrator

Please do everything you can to speak with each individual Board of Supervisor to ensure they fully understand your budget request before they finalize the 2016 budget.

Please do everything you can to speak with each individual Board of Supervisor to ensure they fully understand your budget request before they finalize the 2016 budget.



You Can Find Us At:WEBSITE: www.FocusOnFluvanna.orgFACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/groups/FocusOnFluvannaFuture/EMAIL: [email protected]

THANK YOU!


APPENDIX A



23

The January Survey included 2 background questions and 7 core questions to assess the current temperature of staff

Focus on Fluvanna’s Future was created three years ago with an objective of helping to inform and engage Fluvanna residents on important issues concerning the community – Fluvanna Public Schools being a key area of focus. Since our creation, we’ve heard a strong and consistent message from teachers and school staff on their desire to have an improved mechanism to share thoughts and recommendations to administration and the School Board on how to make Fluvanna Schools a better place to learn on a more regular basis than the annual FCPS survey. Some School Board members have shared similar desires to hear directly from school staff.

In collaboration with Fluvanna's Education Association, it is our pleasure to launch the first of our monthly “FFF/FEA Fluvanna Schools’ Staff Temp Check” survey.

The objectives of the survey are:1. Provide school staff a monthly opportunity to share views/temp check on how FCPS is doing today in select areas critical to our education system2. Provide a mechanism to track trending of staff perceptions over time to both identify when progress is being made and when opportunities/concerns are rising3. Collect recommendations on how to address these identified opportunities4. Share a summary snapshot of current and trending results at each monthly School Board meeting

All information will be treated anonymously. We ask that staff answer the questions honestly and fairly with the objective of identifying not only the problem, but more importantly ideas and recommendations on potential solutions. We hope this survey empowers you to raise your voice and to leverage your knowledge, experience, and passion to help continue to make Fluvanna schools the best they can be. Please take 5 minutes to share your insights with us.

Background:1. For which school do you work?2. Which staff category do you belong?

For the below 7 questions, please rate your level of agreement on a scale of 1 to 7 where 1 is Strongly Agree and 7 is Strongly Disagree. If you answer 4 through 7, please share specific recommendations on how to make improvements.

3. Curriculum – The current FCPS curriculum (e.g., reading, spelling, math, CTE, foreign language, special ed, AP, gifted opportunities, etc) in my school enables me to help each of my students reach their highest potential and to be successful in their future

4. Instructional autonomy - I can choose the instructional methods, student assessments, and classroom management techniques that best fit each unique group of learners.

5. Effective Use of Time - My time spent on meetings and tasks required by the administration enhances my professional growth and/or instruction, and also leaves me with sufficient time to complete all school related tasks to the satisfaction of my employer and myself.

6. Feedback and input- I believe the administration is transparent in their decision making process, and my opinions can be heard and considered in a risk-free environment.

7. Budget - I feel school leaders are working toward reasonable class sizes, technology investments, effective resource allocation, instructional funds reaching the classroom, and locally competitive compensation.

8. Leadership – I believe the School Board has outlined a clear and actionable multi-year strategic vision and roadmap for the future of Fluvanna Schools; and is actively engaged and committed to achieve it

9. Satisfaction – Overall, I am satisfied working for Fluvanna County Public Schools




Satisfaction

Leadership

Budget

Feedback and Input



Curriculum

21%

3%

3%

15%

12%

24%

21%

15%

6%

6%

6%

6%

27%

15%

24

High School Results

-15%

-24%

-21%

-15%

-24%

-15%

-3%

-6%

-12%

-30%

-24%

-15%

-6%

-3%


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

36%

High School Results

51%

18%

21%

9%

9%

36%

6%

21%

39%

39%

51%

36%

21%





25

7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


High School Temp Check

Curriculum



Feedback and Input

Budget

Leadership

Satisfaction

High School

Overall




Satisfaction

Leadership

Budget

Feedback and Input



Curriculum

11%

2%

2%

13%

9%

17%

9%

2%

4%

4%

2%

4%

26

Middle School Results

-26%

-22%

-26%

-20%

-24%

-13%

-22%

-15%

-36%

-48%

-35%

-30%

-30%

-15%


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

13%

Middle School Results

19%

13%

17%

2%

2%

13%

37%

43%

54%

55%

74%

58%

41%





27

7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


Middle School Temp Check

Curriculum



Feedback and Input

Budget

Leadership

Satisfaction

Middle School

Overall




-18%

-14%

-27%

-23%

-9%

-23%

-18%

-5%

-27%

-27%

-27%

-50%

-27%

-9%

Satisfaction

Leadership

Budget

Feedback and Input



Curriculum

18%

14%

9%

14%

5%

32%

23%

9%

0%

14%

5%

5%

28

Carysbrook Results


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

23%

Carysbrook Results

37%

10%

28%

9%

14%

27%

37%

50%

59%

50%

54%

41%

23%





29

7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


Carysbrook Temp Check

Curriculum



Feedback and Input

Budget

Leadership

Satisfaction

Overall

Carysbrook




-21%

-14%

-45%

-31%

-24%

-28%

-14%

-3%

-10%

-10%

-31%

-48%

-28%

-7%

Satisfaction

Leadership

Budget

Feedback and Input



Curriculum

17%

3%

7%

10%

3%

10%

3%3%

30

Central Results


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Central Results

24%

56%

72%

62%

55%

24%

24%


6%

10%

3%

10%

7%

3%

17%




31

7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


7StronglyDisagree

6Disagree

5SomewhatDisagree

3Somewhat

Agree

2Agree

1StronglyAgree


Central Temp Check

Curriculum



Feedback and Input

Budget

Leadership

Satisfaction

Overall

Central

