Results from Newbury Local School focus groups

Business and community leaders Our task and process: To conduct focus groups related to community perceptions around Newbury’s quality and the option to consolidate Teachers Students Parents Administration Senior citizens Business and community leaders Open forum

Our task and process: To conduct focus groups related to community perceptions around Newbury’s quality and the option to consolidate Strengths ? Concerns ? Opinion of consolidation ? Communication preferences ?

Our task and process: To conduct focus groups related to community perceptions around Newbury’s quality and the option to consolidate Not a random sample Reflects a moment in time Conversation focus- high-achievers Differing perceptions for residents and non-residents

Strengths… No one gets lost in the shuffle Sense of family Well-rounded students Caring and connected staff Kind students Prepared students Centers and grounds community

Proud and Prepared Strengths… High sense of school identity Positive view of school climate Positive view of preparedness Inclusive

Communication of Newbury’s strengths and opportunities Areas for growth Communication of Newbury’s strengths and opportunities Course offerings College readiness School fiscal strength School plans for consolidation Definition of “viability” as stated in levy campaign

Areas for growth: No clear consensus Consolidation or not? Messages that matter: Tax implication in dollars Community identity impact Student individualization Opportunity cost (more # but more competition)

Clearly stating benefits, costs, fiscal impact of consolidation Our recommendation: Commit to an option Clearly stating benefits, costs, fiscal impact of consolidation Vs. Attracting students through open enrollment to increase operating budget

Next steps: Communication Strategy Decision based on identified factors Current status problematic Consolidation or not? No Values Matrix Communication support Yes Co-created strategy and outreach