Panorama survey shows drops in student engagement and belonging; district plans targeted follow-up

The superintendent presented Panorama survey results and a school-by-school chart to the School Committee, highlighting areas of progress and concern.

Administration reported that teacher responses indicated increased interest in remaining with Holyoke, and staff reported improvements in some professional-development measures. "We did see that more teachers expressed greater interest in remaining in Holyoke long term," the superintendent said.

At the same time, the district flagged declines in student engagement and feelings of belonging. The superintendent said districtwide favorable student engagement responses dropped from about 22% last year to 17% in the most recent survey. Family participation in the survey also fell — administration cited a decline from roughly 1,200 respondents in a prior period to around 600 this year — prompting the district to extend the survey window and intensify outreach.

Committee members pressed for concrete next steps. Several members urged school-level councils and student-led groups to report more frequently to principals and the committee. A committee member suggested a student school council at every site to give students a monthly forum to raise issues; the superintendent and staff said principals are reviewing the results with staff and will develop 'glows, grows and next steps' plans.

Members also raised internal climate concerns: central office responses to belonging and feedback were lower than most sites, and the superintendent said cabinet-level discussions will address how central office staff engage with district professional learning and how to improve connection.

Next steps: the district extended the survey window, asked principals to review results with staff and students, will share school-level charts with the committee and said cabinet will perform a deeper review of central-office climate and engagement.