1. Results from Newbury Local School focus groups

2. 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

3. 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 ?

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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