I’d like to take this opportunity to wish each and every citizen our best wishes from the Mayfield Schools’ family to you and yours for a happy, healthy and successful New Year.
The months since our last district-wide newsletter have been eventful. Our construction program has been on schedule and on budget, giving children and teachers the facilities they need to maximize learning. Meanwhile, the schools have gotten off to a great start, and trends point to continued high achievement. The bar has been set high, as Mayfield is one of only three school districts out of 32 in Cuyahoga County to earn the state’s “Excellent With Distinction” rating three years in a row. (Bay Village and Chagrin Falls school districts are the other two.)
One of the most significant trends in education these days is that districts are doing a far better job of communicating with their stakeholders, including those households without children in the schools. As I’ve written in the past, by surveying taxpayers over a 10 year period, we have learned a lot about what we’re doing right, and, candidly, what areas the community feels need improvement.
Our most recent poll was conducted last month, and the results were very positive. A total of 400 MCSD households selected randomly were interviewed.
A summary of the survey findings included the following:
- Parents and non-parents alike give the schools high grades on academics and feel that our children are being well prepared for jobs and college.
- Citizens feel that Mayfield Schools provide good value for the tax dollars invested in education---a key finding given the fact that Americans are skeptical these days about public spending.
- The public highly values the prudent way in which the Mayfield Schools spend and budget, and applaud the state-wide awards our fiscal department has earned over the years for honest and complete accounting.
- Citizens do not want our schools to slide. Residents support spending to recruit and retain our excellent teachers, but are not inclined to support spending on major new programs. The upcoming levy is worthwhile, many feel, because it will enable the Board of Education to maintain and continue a tradition of excellence.
- Our citizens greatly appreciate the wage freeze implemented by MCSD staff and administrators and are well aware that the state has cut millions of dollars in aid to our district, forcing very tough budget decisions.
- One area that the poll revealed needs attention is the perception that our outstanding quality can be retained without new investment. Such is not the case--after four years without a levy our back is to the wall---and we all---teachers, administrators, School Board members, and grass roots volunteers---must in the weeks ahead do a first-rate job of communicating one-on-one with district voters to explain the critical nature of the March 6th ballot issue.
The survey reinforced once again how our residents care deeply about their schools. Now is the time to provide for the future and to protect our investment in excellent schools.
Questions, concerns or comments are welcome. Please e-mail me at pprice@mayfieldschools.org or call 440.995.7201.
Sincerely,