Community shows strong support for Rdale schools; endorses continued investment

Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) conducted a community survey in May to gather feedback from local residents, and the results are clear: most have high confidence in the quality of education offered by the district.

Conducted by the Morris Leatherman Company, the scientifically valid survey that randomly sampled 400 district residents, revealed 79 percent of respondents rated the quality of education in Rdale as either excellent (14 percent) or good (65 percent) – numbers that have remained relatively consistent over the last decade. In 2014, some 81 percent of the community felt the quality of education was excellent or good, and 84 percent felt similarly in 2018.

Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch believes the consistency is a reflection on the district’s amazing staff and educators who strive for excellence every day, in and out of the classroom.

“We are proud that, year after year, our community continues to believe in the quality of education Rdale provides,” she said. “It speaks to the tireless efforts of our staff and the programs we’ve implemented to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Strong support for Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal

In addition to positive reviews of educational quality, the survey also revealed overwhelming support for the district’s upcoming Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal. Some 83 percent of respondents support or strongly support the levy renewal, which, if approved, will extend the 2014 voter-approved technology levy another 10 years.

The renewed levy will continue to provide approximately $7 million to maintain technology for learning, provide technology for safer schools, and enhance technology to support staff – and it will not increase anyone’s tax rate.

“The Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal is essential to ensuring our students and staff have the technology resources and support necessary to provide and receive an excellent education,” Staloch said.

Learn more about the technology levy renewal at rdale.org/LevyRenewal2024.

Trust in fiscal responsibility

The Rdale community also expressed confidence in the district’s fiscal management, with 69 percent of respondents saying the district spends funds effectively and efficiently and 80 percent saying the district provides a good value for investment. The numbers are increases when compared to 2014, when only 59 percent felt the district spends funds effectively and efficiently, and 77 percent felt the district provided a good value for investment

“Our school board and our district leadership is committed to being responsible stewards of our community’s investment,” Staloch said. “Our goal is to ensure that every dollar we receive is used thoughtfully to support our students and staff.”

Community engagement and transparent communication

The district also scored high marks for transparency and community involvement. Some 73 percent of respondents felt the district does a good job involving the community in decision-making​. In addition, 77 percent said they trusted the district and school board to do what’s right.

Satisfaction with communication efforts is also exceptional, with 85 percent of respondents saying they’re satisfied with the information they receive from Rdale, and how they receive it.

“We are grateful for the ongoing trust and support our community has shown over the years,” Staloch said. “With their help, we can continue to build on the strengths of our district and provide the best possible education for our students.”