Superintendent of Urban School District Rapidly Validates Progress with OUR
by Lily Martin
A superintendent in an urban school district leverages OUR to engage with principals and leadership teams at school sites to assess progress on policy adoption and pre-test ideas. Through polling, they take the temperature of how the team feels about management, policies, and suggestions on ways to improve performance. Staff retention and reviews from the school board have improved over the last months.
A recent OUR survey asked staff questions about the frequency of professional development, school safety policies, and wrap-around services. In real-time, the superintendent received dozens and soon hundreds of responses, providing validation and constructive criticism to make decisions with confidence.
In the latest poll, principals and vice principals emphasized the need for enhanced safety protocols, particularly metal detectors at district middle and high schools.
Metal detectors and school safety protocols have been widely debated across the country. Advocates for detectors argue that schools should do everything possible to eliminate potential threats. Opponents say metal detectors create a “prison-like” environment for students and staff. When asked about weapon detection systems, 90% of principals agreed that the district should improve safety protocols by installing metal detectors.
While the OUR app surveys revealed that most departments in the district were providing satisfactory to excellent services, areas for growth were also identified. For example, 55% of respondents felt response time was too slow for requests for wraparound services, which includes family support, crisis care, and intervention for foster youth. The superintendent now knows that increasing focus on improving wraparound services is needed to ensure an even greater positive impact on the lives of students and families.
OUR’s essential role as an HR tool was evident in the latest survey, with staff expressing a desire for more professional development, particularly in areas like scaffolding lessons, emotional intelligence, and leadership development. The superintendent now knows that more professional development opportunities will be well received.
Through OUR, this superintendent takes advantage of direct and accurate feedback from their staff to innovate, rapidly identify shortcomings and implement change that creates a healthier work environment for the district while setting the course for a brighter future for thousands of students.
