SMAC conducting research study on attitudes/perceptions on school’s future – and any possible future building bond referendum
All voting-age residents of Mountain Lake Public School District #173 received surveys in the mail on Monday, November 18, regarding the school district.
The Southwest Marketing Advisory Center (SMAC), located on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University-Marshall, is conducting the research study on the attitudes and perceptions of district residents on the school’s future – as well as on any possible future building bond referendum. Additional information will be gleaned on the public views of the failed building bond referendum defeated in December 2012.
Leading the SMAC is the group’s executive director, Michael K. Rich, Ph.D.
The survey is being conducted to better predict the future of the school district, and if a future building bond referendum can be developed that will meet the needs of the community.
Those responding to the survey, which requires an average of four minutes to complete, may do so by either completing the enclosed questionnaire and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or by going to www.smsu.edu/go/mtlakesurvey, and submitting it electronically.
There are 51 questions on the survey, divided into four sections. The first section concerns respondent’s views regarding last December’s failed bond referendum, the second delves into a discussion and reply on the role of the the Mt. Lake Public School in the community – and the possibility of future consolidation, the third seeks information on what is believed to be the necessary communication level needed between the school district and the community and the fourth and final section asks questions about the individual completing the survey, as well as the respondent’s school-age children, if applicable. (The term “community” in the survey is defined as all voters within the Mt. Lake Public School District, unless otherwise specified. This definition includes farmers, business owners, city residents, those living outside the city limits but within the school district, etc.)
Those completing the survey will also be asked if they would like to be considered for, or are volunteering for, a community building task force committee.