Burlington Area School District Community Survey Results Winter 2016
Survey Summary The community survey was conducted in December of 2016. Residents within the District were mailed a paper survey. Each survey included a unique survey access code for those who preferred to take the survey online. Total responses = 1,408 (544 paper) Participation rate = 15%
Respondent Information
What is your age? 50% 47% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 19% 23% 15% 10% 9% 5% 0% 1% 18-25 26-34 35-54 55-64 65 and over
Do you live in the Burlington Area School District? 8% Yes No 92%
In which municipality do you reside? 50% 48% 45% 40% 35% 30% 27% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 6% 6% 5% 4% 3% 0.43% 0.07%
Are you an employee of the Burlington Area School District? 19% 81% Yes No
Do you have child(ren) attending school in the District? 42% 58% Yes No
If you have school-aged children, what 44% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% school(s) do they attend? 25% 20% 20% 12% 11% 8% 4% 2% 2% 1% 0.48% 0.16% 0.16%
How would you like to receive school/district Email School website Text messaging Automated phone notification District mailings School newsletters Skyward Messenger Burlington Standard Press Facebook Meetings at school Parent/teacher organizations Racine Journal Times School Board meetings Cable/local TV Radio Twitter Other information? 1% 4% 3% 11% 22% 29% 32% 29% 20% 9% 17% 6% 11% 3% 10% 28% 6% 9% 5% 7% 4% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 36% 35% 34% 45% 49% 49% 80% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Non-Parents (Non-Staff) Parents (Non-Staff)
Facility Planning Background
As the School Board explores the possibility of addressing District facility needs, they have established the following goals: Renovate or replace Karcher Middle School The original portion of Karcher Middle School dates back to 1924 with additions and renovations in 1956, 1959, 1963 and 1986. A Facilities Assessment identified the following issues: - Portions of the building s exterior, including windows and doors, are not energy efficient and need replacement - Portions of the roof need replacement; minor repairs are no longer sufficient - The heating and plumbing systems are original and require replacement - Portions of the building do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements - Classrooms are undersized and lack the flexibility to support modern learning - Building renovation options are severely limited due to placement of load-bearing walls and columns Update building Infrastructure Some building systems, including heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing, are approaching the end of their service life. These older systems are less efficient and require ongoing repairs. In addition, many of the schools interior finishes, including flooring, ceiling tiles, lighting and cabinetry need to be replaced. Improve school security The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Our schools lack a secured building entrance. This project would reconfigure and move the school offices to the main entrance to better monitor and control visitor access. Reduce the number of student transitions The School Board is recommending we maintain our neighborhood schools and move 5th and 6th grade students to Karcher Middle School. As a result, students would have one less transition to make during their educational experience. Expand 5th and 6th grade course offerings By moving 5th and 6th grade students to Karcher Middle School, students would have access to advanced classes, clubs and extracurricular activities. Consolidate the Montessori program to one location The District operates a very successful Montessori program that serves 4K through 6th grade students. Currently, the program is housed in two schools. This configuration creates challenges to efficiently share staff and Montessori curriculum resources. The School Board would like to consolidate the Montessori Program to one location adjacent to the middle school, allowing the program to operate in space designed specifically for the Montessori curriculum as well as allowing for the program s older students to have access to middle school clubs, sports and other activities. Improve/expand high school classrooms and support areas The auditorium and gym are too small to meet current needs of both the District and community. Classroom updates are needed to support the Culinary Arts and Family and Consumer Science programs.
Would you support the District exploring a referendum that provides funding to address these goals? (Residents Only) 90% 80% 70% 60% 69% 86% 79% 56% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 17% 4% 25% 14% 11% 10% 10% 19% 0% Yes No Undecided All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
District-wide Infrastructure and Educational Updates
While the Burlington Area schools have been well maintained, many of the schools systems have exceeded their useful life, resulting in inefficiencies and ongoing costly repairs, many of which cannot be covered in the District s annual budget. The District has identified the following infrastructure and educational needs: Cooper Elementary School - Replace the air handling units and electrical panels - Replace windows, doors and pavement - Improve school safety with video monitoring system - Renovate toilet rooms to address ADA accessibility requirements - Renovate existing Montessori program space into flexible learning spaces Lyons Elementary School - Replace electrical panels - Replace lighting in the gymnasium with LED Waller Elementary School - Update/replace flooring, ceilings, casework, fixtures and lighting - Replace windows, doors and pavement - Replace the air handling units and electrical panels - Improve school safety with video monitoring system and improved lighting - Renovate toilet rooms to address ADA accessibility requirements - Renovate space for special education, small group instruction and collaborative learning Winkler Elementary School - Improve school safety with video monitoring system - Update heating controls Dyer Intermediate School - Replace exterior windows and doors to improve energy efficiency - Update flooring, ceilings, casework, paint, fixtures and lighting - Replace air handling units and electrical panelboards/switchboards - Renovate toilet rooms to address ADA accessibly requirements - Repair pavement surrounding the school Karcher Middle School - Replace exterior windows and doors to improve energy efficiency - Update flooring, ceilings, lockers, doors, paint, fixtures, electrical panels and lighting - Renovate locker rooms and toilet rooms to address ADA accessibly requirements - Replace electrical panelboards, boilers, controls and ventilators - Improve school safety with video monitoring system Burlington High School - Update the gym bleachers and auditorium seating - Repaint sections of the school and replace worn carpeting - Replace portions of the cooling units and update lighting controls Estimated Cost: $11 - $15* million *This range is dependent on the decision made regarding Karcher Middle School.
Would you support a referendum that provides funding to address District-wide Infrastructure and Educational Updates? (Residents Only) 88% 90% 78% 80% 70% 70% 58% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 26% 17% 16% 11% 13% 10% 11% 2% Yes No Undecided All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Karcher Middle School
Due to Karcher Middle School s age, energy inefficiencies, infrastructure needs and inadequate educational spaces, a decision on how best to update or replace Karcher Middle School is needed. The School Board has identified the following three options for community feedback. All three options: - Change the middle school grade configuration, allowing Karcher to serve students in 5th through 8th grade. - Create dedicated space for the Montessori program. - Convert Dyer Intermediate into an elementary school, changing elementary school attendance boundaries. - Keep all schools open to provide needed space at the elementary level for special education programming, small group instruction and collaborative learning.
Would you support a $48 million referendum for Option 1? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $55* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 14% 21% 35% Yes Undecided 17% Probably no Definitely no 20% 28% 48% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $48 million referendum for Option 1? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $55* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 19% 24% 43% Yes Undecided 14% Probably no Definitely no 21% 22% 43% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $48 million referendum for Option 1? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $55* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes 13% 40% Yes Probably yes 27% Undecided 18% Probably no Definitely no 20% 22% 42% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $48 million referendum for Option 1? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $55* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 12% 17% 29% Yes Undecided 19% Probably no Definitely no 19% 33% 52% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $58 million referendum for Option 2? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $88* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. All Residents Definitely yes 14% 38% Yes Probably yes 24% Undecided 22% Probably no Definitely no 16% 24% 40% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $58 million referendum for Option 2? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $88* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 25% 31% 56% Yes Undecided 20% Probably no Definitely no 10% 14% 24% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $58 million referendum for Option 2? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $88* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes 18% 47% Yes Probably yes 29% Undecided 19% Probably no Definitely no 16% 18% 34% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $58 million referendum for Option 2? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $88* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes 10% 28% Yes Probably yes 18% Undecided 24% Probably no Definitely no 16% 32% 48% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $68.3 million referendum for Option 3? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $123* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 23% 27% 50% Yes Undecided 15% Probably no Definitely no 11% 24% 35% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $68.3 million referendum for Option 3? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $123* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 25% 46% 71% Yes Undecided 14% Probably no Definitely no 8% 7% 15% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $68.3 million referendum for Option 3? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $123* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 26% 32% 58% Yes Undecided 13% Probably no Definitely no 11% 18% 29% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $68.3 million referendum for Option 3? Representing an estimated annual tax increase of $123* over the current level for each $100,000 of a home s value for each of the next 20 years. *The reduction in debt payments, that equates to $112 per $100,000 of a home s value, described earlier in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 18% 19% 37% Yes Undecided 18% Probably no Definitely no 12% 33% 45% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Additional Analysis for Support for Option 3 Percent of Resident Population Assumptions: - Non-parent/non-staff = 75% - Parents = 25% - Staff < 1% Of those responding either Definitely yes, or Probably yes:.75(37%) +.25(58%) = 42.25% Assuming carrying 1/3 of undecided.75(43%) +.25(62%) = 47.75%
High School Updates
Auditorium The high school s auditorium is too small to meet the demands for some school/ community concerts, musicals, plays, extracurricular activities and presentations. A new auditorium could include: - Seating for up to 750 spectators - A full fly loft and dressing rooms - A scene shop and backstage storage Would you support a referendum that provides funding to build a new auditorium? (Residents Only) 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 69% 55% 50% 45% 38% 30% 30% 20% 15% 17% 16% 15% Yes No Undecided All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Expanded Gym Space The high school gym space no longer meets the ever-expanding needs of the school and community. As a result of limited gym space, practices are being held early in the morning and late in the evening throughout the school year and community use is limited. An expanded gym could include: - Additional courts for physical education, co-curricular and community use - Space for gymnastics and wrestling - Updates to the fitness center and weight room - Additional lockers and storage Would you support a referendum that provides funding to expand gym space? (Residents Only) 70% 60% 61% 56% 52% 50% 40% 30% 20% 44% 31% 38% 27% 20% 18% 19% 17% 17% 10% 0% Yes No Undecided All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Renovate Culinary Arts and Family and Consumer Science Areas The high school s culinary arts and Family and Consumer Science spaces are outdated and lack access to current equipment and technology. A renovation of the space would include: - Updated and expanded workstations - Upgraded equipment - Access to improved technology Would you support a referendum that provides funding to renovate the culinary arts and Family and Consumer Science areas? (Residents Only) 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 69% 59% 50% 38% 42% 30% 21% 20% 20% 20% 20% 11% Yes No Undecided All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Funding Support
Would you support a referendum for up to $22-$26 million for the high school updates? Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $73 - $86** for each $100,000 of a home s value. ** The reduction in debt payments, described earlier in this survey is being applied to the Karcher Middle School Update Options. Therefore, the high school updates would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 21% 26% 47% Yes Undecided 16% Probably no Definitely no 14% 23% 37% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a referendum for up to $22-$26 million for the high school updates? Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $73 - $86** for each $100,000 of a home s value. ** The reduction in debt payments, described earlier in this survey is being applied to the Karcher Middle School Update Options. Therefore, the high school updates would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 27% 39% 66% Yes Undecided 20% Probably no Definitely no 7% 7% 14% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a referendum for up to $22-$26 million for the high school updates? Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $73 - $86** for each $100,000 of a home s value. ** The reduction in debt payments, described earlier in this survey is being applied to the Karcher Middle School Update Options. Therefore, the high school updates would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 27% 32% 59% Yes Undecided 15% Probably no Definitely no 10% 16% 26% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a referendum for up to $22-$26 million for the high school updates? Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $73 - $86** for each $100,000 of a home s value. ** The reduction in debt payments, described earlier in this survey is being applied to the Karcher Middle School Update Options. Therefore, the high school updates would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes 12% 34% Yes Probably yes 22% Undecided 15% Probably no Definitely no 17% 34% 51% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Additional Analysis for Support for the high school Percent of Resident Population Assumptions: - Non-parent/non-staff = 75% - Parents = 25% - Staff < 1% Of those responding either Definitely yes, or Probably yes:.75(34%) +.25(59%) = 40.25% Assuming carrying 1/3 of undecided.75(39%) +.25(64%) = 45.25%
Thank you!