WRSD Retention Study
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
Scope of Community Engagement Phase
Stakeholder Interviews
Focus Groups
Survey
Focus Groups Town Representation
| ||
Town of Residence | # of Attendees | % of Attendees |
Holden | 29 | 50% |
Paxton | 6 | 10% |
Princeton | 3 | 5% |
Rutland | 6 | 10% |
Sterling | 13 | 22% |
Other | 1 | 2% |
Total | 58 | - |
| |||
| # of Attendees | % of Attendees | Year of Graduation |
Parent/guardian of actively enrolled students | 55 | 95% | N/A |
Parent/guardian of student(s) residing in school district not actively enrolled in WRSD | 7 | 12% | N/A |
Overlap active/not active enrollment family | 4 | 7% | N/A |
Parent/guardian of Alum | 6 | 10% | 2025 (3), 2023 (2), 2020 (2) |
Alum | 8 | 14% | 1992, 1993, 2001 (2), 2006 |
Focus Groups Enrollment Representation
| ||
| # of Attendees | % of Attendees |
Student Athletes | 17 | 29% |
Special Needs | 17 | 29% |
At times, requires additional attention in the classroom | 22 | 38% |
Overlap special needs + additional attention | 10 | 17% |
Has considered moving a student out of the district | 28 | 48% |
Has moved a student out of the district | 6 | 10% |
Focus Groups Special Groups Representation
Findings derived from focus group sessions ranging from 1-5 people.
Findings do not include comments that reflect attitudes toward public education rather than the district (for example, religious practices).
Findings heavily informed survey questions.
Focus Groups Findings
#1 Teachers
Positive experiences at all levels, including communication, thoughtfulness in curriculum and programming, and classroom management
#2 Reputation
District is a draw for families moving to district towns
#3 Perception New Leadership is Working in the Right Direction
Strong vision, competence, and clear communication
Focus Groups Findings: Draws to the District
#1 Special Education Support
Communication, IEP compliance
#2 Marketing & Communications
High school web presence, budget transparency
#3 Missing Middle Academics and Support
More support for students not identified as ‘low achieving’ or ‘high achieving’
Focus Groups Findings: Areas of Desired Improvement (1/2)
#4 Student Behavior & Mental Health Challenges
Bullying and harassment accountability
#5 Trades and Practical Skills
More class offerings within WRSD for students not in a technical path
#6 Uneven Experiences Across the District
Programming, class options, and infrastructure
Focus Groups Findings: Areas of Desired Improvement (2/2)
Town of Residence | # of Respondents | % of Respondents |
Holden | 666 | 46% |
Paxton | 132 | 9% |
Princeton | 138 | 10% |
Rutland | 326 | 23% |
Sterling | 153 | 11% |
Other | 15 | 1% |
Total | 1,433 | - |
Parent Survey Town Representation
Please Select all that apply: | # of Respondents | % of Respondents |
My family moved a student out of the District | 182 | 12.8% |
My family considered moving a student out of the District, but did not | 155 | 10.9% |
I am the parent/guardian of a student who, at times, requires additional attention in the classroom | 408 | 28.6% |
I am the parent/guardian of a student with special needs | 217 | 15.2% |
None of the above | 749 | 52.5% |
Total | 1,428 | - |
Parent Survey Special Groups Representation
Parent Survey School Representation
Total: 1,437
Parent Survey Findings
The following reflects a selection of survey responses from a 26-question survey.
Open ended responses were analyzed through a qualitative coding process to identify top themes.
Analysis does not focus on enrollment in Monty Tech/Bath Path.
Parent Survey Communication Preferences
Total: 1,419
Total: 1,411
Parent Survey Value Indicators
“What Contributes to Your Satisfaction”
“What Would Increase Your Satisfaction”
Total: 934
Total: 1,115
Parent Survey Value Indicators: Teachers & Staff
327 mentions of “teachers” positively
291 mentions of teachers, staff, and admin for improvement
Praise for teaching staff across district. Comments highlight personal attention, responsiveness to student needs, and investment in student well-being.
Comments request additional teacher training and accountability. A focus on retention of teachers and school administration, more diversity of teachers, and more support staff.
Parent Survey Value Indicators: Communication
128 mentions of “communication” positively
223 mentions of “communication” for improvement
Speed, accuracy, and robust content district-wide and by individual schools.
Requested better and more consistent communication from teachers, school administrators, and the district in general and specifically regarding student progress and behavioral concerns.
Parent Survey Value Indicators: Academics
102 mentions of “quality of education” positively
200 mentions of “academic programming” for improvement
Favorability for academic rigor and preparedness for higher education.
Room for improvement in academic opportunities, programming, and curriculum. Specified mentions of advanced level courses and technical skills.
Positive learning environment, outcomes, and welcoming atmosphere.
87 mentions of “learning environment” positively
Parent Survey Value Indicators: Other Top Themes
“What contributes to your satisfaction” (mentions)
“What would increase your satisfaction” (mentions)
Parent Survey Push/Pull Factors for Families Who Considered Leaving the District
Total: 153
Total: 151
Pull Factors
Open ended responses: What changes, if any, would have led your family to reconsider moving a student out of the district?
#1 Additional Support (33 instances)
Specifically special education offerings, clear communication with staff, and IEP progress.
#2 Curriculum Offerings (21 instances)
Specifically advanced courses and technical programming (in addition to vocational schools). Academic rigor mentioned 17 times.
#3 Class Size (20 instances)
Referring to both size of WRHS and number of students in a classroom.
#4 Bullying (16 instances)
Including administrative support, disciplinary approaches, and general atmosphere.
Parent Survey Push/Pull Factors for Families Who Left the District
Total: 170
Total: 158