Saugatuck Public Schools Survey Presented by: EPIC MRA 4710 W . - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Saugatuck Public Schools Survey Presented by: EPIC MRA 4710 W . Saginaw Hwy. Suite 2C Lansing, MI 48917 District-wide Survey on a Bond Debt Tax Millage 517.886.0860 info@epicmra.com Proposal to Fund Facility Renovations
District-wide Survey on a Bond Debt Tax Millage Proposal to Fund Facility Renovations
Presented by: EPIC ▪ MRA
4710 W . Saginaw Hwy. Suite 2C Lansing, MI 48917 517.886.0860 info@epicmra.com www.epicmra.com
postcard to each resident residing in the boundaries of the Saugatuck Public Schools.
as well as instructions to participants that the code could be used by each adult resident in the household to participate in the survey.
Telephone; 4 via Mail).
September 29, 2019.
as being registered to vote (Q. 01).
error of ±5.2 points.
0% 20% 40% 60% Saugatuck Twp Douglas City Saugatuck City Laketown Twp 41% 24% 23% 12%
At the outset of the survey, respondents were asked to indicate the City or Township in which they currently reside. The results were:
Voting Frequency (Lower Visibility Elections) - Qs. 04 & 05
Respondents were asked to consider how often they vote in November odd-year elections, “. . . when some city offices are on the ballot, and other ballot issues are sometimes presented to voters?” and given five options to best describe their frequency of voting. An identical presentation was made to respondents regarding participation in elections held in May of even-numbered years. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
All the Time Most Times Half the Time Seldom Never All the Time Most Times Half the Time Seldom Never
83% 13% 2% 1% 0% 80% 16% 2% 1% 0%
May Even-year November Odd-year
Respondents were then asked - from five presented options - to indicate their likelihood of voting in the March 2019 Presidential Primary election.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Very Somewhat Likely 50/50 Not Likely Refused
90% 5% 1% 1% 2% 1%
Respondents were next informed that, beginning in 2019, “no reason” absentee voting was available for Michigan voters, and were then asked, in light of this change, the likelihood of their voting via absentee ballot instead of going to the polling place.
0% 20% 40% 60%
Certain Very Likely Equally Very Likely Certain
19% 11% 15% 32% 20% Polling Place Absentee Ballot
Total 30% Total 52%
In the first question specific to Saugatuck schools, respondents were asked to consider the quality of the K-12 education, over the past few years, and indicate whether it had “improved”, “gotten worse” or “remained about the same.”
0% 20% 40% 60% About the Same Improved Worsened Undec/Ref 49% 26% 7% 18%
In a second test of opinions about the quality of Saugatuck Public Schools, respondents were asked to compare the district’s quality of education with the surrounding public school districts.
0% 20% 40% 60% About the Same Better Worse Undec/Ref 36% 46% 7% 11%
In a slightly different measurement of residents’ opinions about the quality of education provided by Saugatuck schools, respondents were asked to “grade” the schools.
0% 20% 40% 60% A (Excellent) B (Good) C (Average) D (Below Ave.) F (Fail) Und/Ref 27% 43% 14% 3% 0% 13% Total Above Ave. 70% Total Below Ave. 3%
In an open-ended question that followed, respondents were asked to offer their top-of-mind reaction to being asked to identify the single biggest challenge facing the Saugatuck Public Schools.
Dropping enrollment, 20% Lack of funding, 15% Aging facilities, 15% Budget priorities, 7% Wasteful spending, 6% More community
Schools of choice, 4% 15 "other" <= 3%, 25% Und/Ref, 3%
Value of Education and Community Services for Taxes Paid – Q. 12
Respondents asked if the educational and community services provided by Saugatuck Public Schools in return for the state and local taxes paid to fund them were “too high”, “too low” or “about right”.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Too High About Right Too Low Und 25% 42% 7% 3% 23%
Lower portion of the "Too High" bar = "MUCH"; Upper portion = "Somewhat"
Total 48%
Respondents were asked to issue either a Positive rating of “Excellent” or “Pretty good” or a Negative rating of “Just fair” or “Poor” for the condition of Saugatuck Public Schools’ schools, other facilities, and grounds.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Postive Negative Undecided 9% 12% 8% 36% 35%
Pretty good/Just fair Excellent/Poor Total 45% Total 47%
Respondents were next asked to assess whether they believe the Saugatuck Public Schools has “too much”, “too little” or “about the right amount” of funding from state and local sources to provide a quality education.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Too Much About Right Too Little Und 7% 34% 17% 3% 12% 26%
Lower portion of the bars = "MUCH"; Upper portion = "Somewhat"
Total 19% Total 43%
As with the assessment of the condition of facilities, respondents were asked to offer a Positive or Negative rating of Saugatuck Public Schools’ management of district finances; again using a gradation of “Excellent” and “Pretty good” for the positive rating and “Poor” and “Just fair” for the negative rating.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Postive Negative Undecided 8% 25% 8% 32% 27%
Pretty good/Just fair Excellent/Poor
Total 40% Total 52%
Respondents were asked to report whether they believed student enrollment in SPS had “increased”, “decreased” or “remained about the same” and gradations of “a lot” and “some” were offered for the increased and decreased categories.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Increased Same Decreased Und 2% 39% 6% 7% 23% 23%
Lower portion of the bars = "A lot"; Upper portion = "Some"
Total 25% Total 29%
Respondents were reminded that Saugatuck Public Schools participates in the schools of choice program and asked if they Support or Oppose the Districts’ participation in the
intensity of sentiment.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Approve Disapprove Undecided 45% 11% 3% 29% 12%
Somewhat Strongly
Total 74% Total 23%
in the recent May 7th school bond election.
they voted in the May bond election. The raw data produced a 53 percent “Yes” to 40 percent “No” result; an
value, the survey data were re-weighted to produce a 48 percent “Yes” to 49 percent “No”, to more closely align with the May outcome.
In the first presentation of a question asking for reaction to a request which would
improvement bonds, the “vote” result was:
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
46% 50% 3% 1%
Solid Lean
Total 46% Total 51%
Support/Opposition to Components of Proposal – Qs. 21-36
The related improvements and expansions to be funded by the bond revenue were segregated into 16 separate descriptive statements. For each, respondents were asked to indicate if they supported or opposed that aspect of the plan; irrespective of how they would vote on the overall proposal. Gradations of “strongly” and “somewhat” were once again provided to measure the intensity of sentiment.
Top Three Supported Improvements
Strong TOTAL TOTAL Strong DK/ SUP SUP OPP OPP UND
Security improvements would be made to the elementary school, including secured entryways to control visitor access to the buildings and video monitoring, fire suppression and fire alarm at a cost of just over $1 million.
56% 78% 20% 10% 2%
Security improvements would be made to the middle school and high school, including secured entryways to control visitor access to the buildings and video monitoring, fire suppression and fire alarm at a cost of just under $2 million
55% 77% 21% 9% 2%
Five new buses would be purchased for the district to replace the buses that have surpassed their useable life at a cost of $500,000.
41% 75% 23% 11% 2%
Support/Opposition to Components of Proposal – Qs. 21-36
Fourth through Eighth Ranked Improvements on “Total” Support
Strong TOTAL TOTAL Strong DK/ SUP SUP OPP OPP UND
The science and art classrooms at the elementary school would be renovated and modernized at a cost of just over $1 million.
39% 66% 31% 19% 3%
Classrooms, bathrooms, and group educational spaces at the elementary school would be renovated at a cost of just under $3 million.
45% 64% 33% 16% 3%
The science rooms at the middle school and high school would be renovated and modernized at a cost of just over $3 million.
39% 62% 36% 22% 2%
A new band room with practice rooms and instrument storage would be constructed at the middle school and high school at a cost of $2 million.
36% 61% 37% 22% 2%
Furniture and fixtures would be replaced at all school buildings, where needed, at a cost of just under $2 million.
37% 60% 37% 17% 3%
Support/Opposition to Components of Proposal – Qs. 21-36
Ninth through Twelfth Ranked Improvements on “Total” Support
Strong TOTAL TOTAL Strong DK/ SUP SUP OPP OPP UND
The media center at the elementary school would be renovated and modernized at a cost of just under $2 million.
29% 57% 41% 21% 2%
The media center at the middle school and high school would be renovated and modernized at a cost of just under $3 million.
30% 54% 42% 24% 4%
Parking lot improvements would be made at all school buildings to improve traffic flow and increase safety for parents and students during drop-off and pick-up times at a cost of just under $2 million
29% 54% 43% 26% 3%
Classrooms, bathrooms, and group educational spaces would be renovated and reconstructed in the high school at a cost of just under $10 million.
31% 50% 46% 29% 4%
Support/Opposition to Components of Proposal – Qs. 21-36
Thirteenth through Sixteenth Ranked Improvements on “Total” Support
Strong TOTAL TOTAL Strong DK/ SUP SUP OPP OPP UND
Finishes in classrooms, bathrooms, and group educational spaces in the middle school would be upgraded at a cost of just under $2 million.
26% 48% 49% 29% 3%
The existing fitness center and locker rooms in the high school gym would be renovated, additional fitness center space added, and an ADA compliant elevator to the gym mezzanine installed at a cost of just over $2 million.
23% 48% 50% 34% 2%
The district’s administration office would be moved to a small new addition at the middle school and high school, allowing the existing breezeway at the middle/high school to be enclosed to provide a secure entry to the school at a cost of $1 million.
26% 47% 50% 30% 3%
The kitchen, multi-use cafeteria and common-use spaces would be renovated at the middle school and high school at a cost of just under $3 million.
24% 47% 48% 27% 5%
After hearing what improvements and expansions would be funded, respondents were again asked how they would vote on the 1.67 mill request if the election were today.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
46%
50% 2%
2%
Total 46% Total 52%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
46% 50% 2% 2%
Solid Lean
Total 46% Total 52%
presented to respondents, after which a “vote” was taken.
presented, again followed by a (final) “vote”.
respective supporting and opposing statements by asking the respondent to indicate – irrespective of how they “voted” earlier – whether they found the statement to be a “Very convincing”, “Somewhat convincing” or, “Not at all convincing” reason to [support/oppose] the proposal.
SUPPORTERS’ STATEMENTS RANK ORDERED BY “TOTAL CONVINCING”
Very Total Not DK/ Cnvc Cnvc Cnvc REF
Increased security at all school building entrances, video monitoring, and greater control of visitor access will help to reassure parents that their children are as safe in school as possible.
47% 74% 23% 3%
The elementary school was built in the 1950’s and the original high school was constructed in the mid-1970’s. There is only so much patchwork that can be done to buildings this old before needing major renovations. This bond proposal will protect our investment by improving and maintaining existing school building, instead of having to replace them at a much higher cost.
39% 62% 35% 3%
The improvements proposed are needed in order to continue to offer a 21st century learning environment that prepares students to be successful in a rapidly changing world, and attracts families to the area, and students to the district.
30% 53% 43% 4%
The Saugatuck Public Schools currently levies the lowest debt tax rate in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and neighboring districts. If the proposal is approved by voters, Saugatuck Public Schools would still have one of the lowest debt tax rates in the area. The district’s history of fiscal responsibility and financial management proves that they would not be asking for this bond proposal if it was not truly needed.
31% 50% 44% 6%
An increase in fresh air and natural daylight in our schools, as well as increased spaces for student-teacher collaboration that would be provided by this proposal has been proven an effective way to enhance the student learning environment and student education.
22% 45% 49% 6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Fresh Air Low Debt Levy 21st Century Learning Old Facilities Increased Security
22% 31% 30% 39% 47% 23% 19% 23% 23% 27% Very Somewhat Total 74% Total 62% Total 53% Total 50% Total 46%
Following the presentation of supporters’ arguments, respondents were again asked to report how they would vote on the $40 million bond proposal.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
46%
50% 2%
2%
Total 46% Total 52%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
45% 50% 3% 1% 1%
Solid Lean
Total 46% Total 51%
OPPONENTS’ STATEMENTS RANK ORDERED BY “TOTAL CONVINCING”
Very Total Not DK/ Cnvc Cnvc Cnvc REF
$40 million is just too much to ask for all at once in a small community like ours.
44% 68% 30% 2%
We are constantly being bombarded with millage increase requests for education, community recreation, and roads – Enough is enough.
38% 60% 38% 2%
The school district has a well-established history of mishandling our money. Past construction efforts in the district have been either not built up to code or completely unnecessary. I have little faith that the district’s leadership will not mishandle this bond as well.
37% 58% 35% 7%
Nearly one-third of the student population is comprised of schools of choice
benefits families that do not even live in our district.
33% 54% 44% 2%
The voters have already twice rejected very similar proposals within the past two
33% 48% 49% 3%
We should not be wasting money making costly repairs to buildings that are well past their usable life. Even if it would cost more, our continued investment in
16% 44% 51% 5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Build New Twice Rejected Schools of Choice Mismanagement Enough is Enough Too Much $ 16% 33% 33% 37% 38% 44% 28% 15% 21% 21% 22% 24% Very Somewhat Total 68% Total 60% Total 58% Total 54% Total 48% Total 44%
Comparative “Convincingness” of Competing Arguments
74% 62% 53% 50% 46% 68% 60% 58% 54% 48% 44% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Supporting Opposing
Following the presentation of opponents’ arguments, respondents were again asked to report for a final time, how they would vote on the $40 million bond proposal.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
46%
50% 2%
2%
Total 46% Total 52%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Yes No Und
46% 49% 2% 1% 2%
Solid Lean
Total 47% Total 51%
In an open-ended question that followed, respondents (N=169) that voted “no” in the final ask were asked to report the main reason for their opposition. The results were:
Too Much Money, 33% Wasteful Spending/Trust, 21% Tax Increase, 14% Declining Enrollment, 6% Too Many SoC Students, 5% Won't Improve Ed Quality, 3% Already Voted No, 3% 10 "other" <=2%, 14% Refused, 1%
Respondents who in the “Final vote” test said they would vote either yes or no on the were asked to use a zero-to-ten scale to describe how motivated they are to participate in an upcoming election on the millage proposal; with “0” meaning “not motivated at all” and “10” meaning “extremely motivated”. Total NO Respondents Total YES Respondents
N=188 N=173 0 to 4 4% 0 to 4 0% 5 6% 5 2% 6 to 8 9% 6 to 8 14% 9 to 10 72% 9 to 10 75% Und/Ref/NA 9% Und/Ref/NA 9% MEAN: 9.010 MEAN: 9.3870
Non-Homestead and Community Recreation Millage Proposals – Qs. 54 & 55
Following the test on motivation to vote on the bond proposal, respondents were presented with two proposals that will appear on the November 2019 ballot; a renewal of the 18-mill non-homestead levy for school operation funding, and, a renewal of a 0.25 mill levy dedicated to community recreation programs administered by the Saugatuck Public
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Yes No Und Yes No Und 94% 2% 92% 3% 1% 2% 2% 3%
Lower portion of the bar = "Solid" (YES/NO); Upper portion = "Leans Toward"
Community Recreation Non-Homestead
Total 95% Total 94%
All respondents were asked to indicate where they get the “information that influences [their] opinions the most about the Saugatuck Public Schools?” The top responses were:
Commerical Record, 20% Word of Mouth, 17% Social Media, 10% District Print, 7% Parents, 6% Holland Sentinel, 6% SPS Website, 5% No source of info, 1% 14 "other" <= 4%, 26% Refused, 2%