FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dr. Jay Jones, Superintendent – 920.303.2334
Survey Results Reflect Community Support for the Omro School District
Omro, WI – The School District of Omro has received the results from the community-
wide survey sent to all residents in April. The goal of the survey was to gather feedback
from taxpayers on how the district should address two pressing challenges it currently
faces and solicit solutions to tackle these issues.
School Perceptions LLC, an independent Wisconsin-based firm with extensive expertise
in conducting school district surveys, was hired to facilitate the survey process and
collect the confidential data gathered from residents and staff. Daren Sievers, Project
Manager at School Perceptions, reported the results to members of the School Board
on Wednesday, May 8. A full report from School Perceptions, as well as an Executive
Summary, will soon be available on the district website under the "Referendum" section.
Daren shared that 21% of the community returned the survey, which is above average,
and noted that response demographics aligned with the most recent census
information.
Residents were asked to provide feedback on additional operational support. With the
operational referendum approved by voters in 2020 set to expire after this school year,
the district is facing a significant funding challenge. Results indicated that the majority of
survey respondents would support an operational referendum for an additional $1.9
million dollars for the next five years to maintain current staffing, programs, and
services.
The survey also sought residents' input on the district’s long-range facilities plan, which
includes addressing aging infrastructure throughout the district, overcrowding at H.B.
Patch, athletic improvements, and additional projects throughout the district. Results
indicated that survey respondents would support a referendum to address facility needs
in the district. The School Board will convene again to discuss what should be included
in the potential facilities referendum question.
Superintendent Dr. Jay Jones expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you to all the
residents who provided feedback through the community-wide survey. For a referendum
question to be on the November 2024 ballot, the School Board must adopt a resolution
by the end of August. The School Board will spend the next few months discussing
possible facility referendum solutions, in hopes to have two questions on the ballot in
November.”
For more information about the community-wide survey results or to view the
informational survey presentation, please visit the School District of Omro website at
www.omro.k12.wi.us or contact Dr. Jay Jones, Superintendent, at 920-303-2334.