Survey Says Parent Satisfied with New Haven Unified School District

The majority of nearly 1,000 parents surveyed said the New Have Unified School District meets the academic and social needs of their children, provides a safe learning environment and promotes equity and effective communication, according to the district.

A total of 952 parents responded to automated phone invitations to participate in the survey between April 10 and May 4. 

Parents were asked if they "strongly agree," "agree," "disagree," or "strongly disagree" with a number of statements about the district. Eighty-eight percent said they agreed or strongly agreed that their children's academic needs are being met. Ninety-two percent agreed or strongly agreed that their children's social needs are being met. Ninety percent of parent agreed or strongly agreed that their children feel safe at school.

According to a press release distributed by the district, Superintendent Kari McVeigh was particularly pleased with responses relating to the district's efforts to address issues of equity. Ninety-two percent agreed or strongly greed that teachers and staff at their children's school treat students and families from all groups equitably. In addition, 92 percent agreed or strongly agreed that their children's school offers the same opportunities to all students, regardless of income.

“Those responses, I think, indicate that our teachers, classified employees and administrators all are working on becoming for responsive and more client-friendly,” McVeigh said.

Ninety-two percent of parents agreed or strongly agreed that students are treated with respect by teachers, 96 percent agreed that parent are treated by respect by teachers.

“That’s something our employees can be particularly proud of, especially with the number of cuts we’ve had to make in the past two years, because teachers have larger classes, classified employees are dealing with more requests and many of our administrators are covering duties that two or even three employees used to perform," McVeigh said.

Regarding communications, 89 percent of parents agreed or strongly agreed that communications from the district are clear, timely and provide useful information, up six percent from last year. Eighty-six percent agreed or strongly agreed that school-site communications are clear, timely and provide useful information, up two percent from last year. There was a slight drop, however, in the percentage of parents who agreed or strongly agreed that they receive sufficient communication concerning their children’s academic performance, from 84 percent to 82 percent.