2025-26 Climate &

Culture Survey Report

January 2026

• In order to understand perceptions of our schools’ and our district’s climate and culture, we annually invite MTSD parents and guardians to participate in a survey focusing on seven categories including: Student Relationships, Learning Environment, Safety & Well-Being, Physical Environments, Contracted Services, Family Engagement & Communication, and Overall District Quality. Schools and the district use these results to enhance the educational experience for all students and families while monitoring progress toward strategic goals.�
• The survey was distributed via email and e-newsletters from January 12 -23, 2026, through Thought Exchange. Parents and guardians were encouraged to complete one response per household, with participation designed to be accessible and anonymous to ensure confidentiality. In total, 561 responses were received—representing approximately 16% of all MTSD students. The survey was conducted in a form that is accessible to all regardless of electronic device and was available in four languages including English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Participants took the survey anonymously as to ensure confidentiality in their responses. The information included in this report as suggested areas for improvement related to all goals was derived based on feedback gained in the open response items. Feedback from open-ended questions was analyzed qualitatively using AI to identify common themes and areas for improvement across district goals.

Introduction & Methodology

PARTICIPATION

Breakdown of Participation

• My child attends:

Donges Bay Elementary School 19%

Oriole Lane Elementary School 17%

Wilson Elementary School 19%

Lake Shore Middle School 15%

Steffen Middle School 16%

Homestead High School 37%

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FAMILY NET PROMOTER SCORE�(NPS)

How likely would you be to recommend the Mequon-Thiensville School District to a friend or family member who was looking for a school to send their child to?

FAMILY NET PROMOTER SCORE (NPS)

Open Feedback Themes

PROMOTERS

242 responses

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PASSIVES

72

responses

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DETRACTORS

34 responses

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The vast majority of respondents highlight the high quality and dedication of teachers and staff as the district's greatest strength. They value the rigorous academic curriculum and the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities that help students feel connected and prepared for the future. Overall, this group feels the district offers a safe, inclusive, and "best-in-class" environment for their children.

Passive respondents appreciate the district's academic foundation but are focused on specific operational improvements, such as healthier school lunches and more reliable transportation. They advocate for a better balance in rigor that includes more support for high achievers and expanded career/trade pathways for non-college-bound students. They also emphasize a need for more consistent communication regarding student health, safety, and individual progress.

Detractors express concerns regarding a perceived lack of student accountability and inconsistent discipline, particularly concerning bullying and classroom disruptions. They criticize the district for "grade inflation" and a rigid, "college-factory" focus that ignores independent thinking and alternative career paths. Many in this group also call for a change in leadership to address a lack of transparency and a perceived decline in educational quality.

STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

My child feels a sense of belonging at this school:

STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

Adults at this school care about my child’s social and emotional well-being:

STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

There is at least one staff member my child can go to for help with a problem:

STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

Adults at this school treat my child fairly, regardless of their background or identity:

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

My child is encouraged to grow and persevere through challenges:

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

My child’s teachers and administrators care about my child’s academic well-being:

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Teachers are available and communicate effectively when I have a question or concern:

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

My child is provided learning opportunities that support their academic growth:

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

My child’s school provides appropriate access to technology:

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

My child’s school offers an appropriate range of extracurricular or co-curricular activities:

SAFETY & WELL-BEING

My child feels safe at school:

SAFETY & WELL-BEING

My child’s school has clearly stated expectations for student behavior:

SAFETY & WELL-BEING

My child’s school teaches strategies that support managing academic and/or social stress:

SAFETY & WELL-BEING

Parent drop-off and pick-up procedures at my child’s school provide a safe experience:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

My child’s school is kept clean:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

My child’s school environment promotes physical safety:

CONTRACTED SERVICES

My child feels safe when riding the bus:

CONTRACTED SERVICES

The school’s transportation (bus) service is reliable:

CONTRACTED SERVICES

The school’s food service program meets my child’s nutritional needs:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

When I contact the school office, staff greet me warmly and assist me efficiently:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

Adults in my child’s school work to build trusting relationships with families:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

My child’s teachers effectively communicate with me regarding my child’s learning:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

My child’s school/principal welcomes families to share questions, concerns, or feedback:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

I feel well-informed about important updates from the Mequon-Thiensville School District:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

Where do you get most of your information about the district and its schools?:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

How would you most prefer to get your information about the district and its schools?:

district

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

The MTSD website is a reliable source of information:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

What do you most often visit the MTSD website to find?:

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

How do you most often access the MTSD website?:

OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

MTSD has a rigorous curriculum:

OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

MTSD supports students academically according to need:

OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

MTSD supports students’ social and emotional needs:

OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

MTSD prioritizes safety and security:

OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

What additional comments would you like to share about your experience with your child’s school or the district? (195 responses)

Positive Connections With Staff�There is a massive amount of praise for specific leaders, especially MTSD elementary principals. Parents feel these leaders create a "warm and welcoming" culture where every student is known by name. Many families also shared that their children are "blossoming" thanks to excellent teachers who communicate quickly and care about their success. For many, these personal relationships are the best part of the district.

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Concerns Regarding Contracted Services�While parents generally like the teachers, they are very unhappy with the services the district "hires out," specifically Aramark (food) and Riteway (bussing). The new bus app is described as "unreliable," and buses are often very late or early, making it hard for working parents. Many parents want "healthier, less processed" food. They complained about too much sugar, long lines at lunch, and a lack of options for students with allergies (like soy) or religious dietary needs (like Halal or Kosher).

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OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

What additional comments would you like to share about your experience with your child’s school or the district?

�Safety and Logistics at Drop-off/Pick-up

A major theme is the "chaos" and "danger" of school parking lots during drop-off and pick-up times. Parents described these areas as a "tragedy waiting to happen" because people don't follow the rules, park in handicap spots, or make dangerous U-turns. There is a strong call for the district to enforce parking rules more strictly to keep students safe from traffic accidents.

��High Standards vs. "Grade Inflation"

There is a growing debate about how students are graded. Some parents worry about "grade inflation," where it seems too easy to get an "A" by retaking tests or turning in late work. They fear this doesn't prepare students for the "real world" or college. On the other hand, some families feel the middle school math program is "too rushed" and causes unnecessary stress. There is a clear desire for a balance between "rigor" (hard work) and "joy in learning."

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OVERALL DISTRICT QUALITY

What additional comments would you like to share about your experience with your child’s school or the district?

Needs for More Variety: Trades and TAG

Many families feel the district is too focused on a "college-only" path. They are asking for more "Skilled Trades" classes (like shop, automotive, or woods) for students who aren't heading to a four-year university. Additionally, parents of younger children feel that TAG (Talented and Gifted) support starts too late (3rd grade) and want more "challenge" for advanced students in K-2nd grade so they don't get bored.

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Climate & Culture Survey Report

Longitudinal Data

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Historical Survey Participation

Family Net Promoter Score (NPS)

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child feels a sense of belonging at this school:

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Adults in my child’s school care about my child’s social and emotional well-being:

LONGITUDINAL DATA

There is at least one staff member my child can go to for help with a problem:

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Adults at this school treat my child fairly, regardless of their background or identity.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child is encouraged to grow and persevere through challenges.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s teachers and administrators care about my child’s academic well-being.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Teachers are available and communicate effectively when I have a question or concern.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child is provided learning opportunities that support their academic growth. � (Formerly, “....push them to their fullest potential.”)

(Formerly, “...learning skills that will help them be successful in life.”)

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school provides appropriate access to technology.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school offers an appropriate range of extracurricular or co-curricular activities.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child feels safe at school.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school has clearly stated expectations for student behavior.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school teaches strategies that support managing academic and/or social stress.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Parent drop-off and pick-up procedures at my child’s school provide a safe experience.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school is kept clean.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school environment promotes physical safety.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child feels safe when riding the bus.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

The school’s transportation (bus) service is reliable.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

The school’s food service program meets my child’s nutritional needs.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

When I contact the school office, staff greet me warmly and assist me efficiently.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Adults in my child’s school work to build trusting relationships with families.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s teachers effectively communicate with me regarding my child’s learning.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

My child’s school/principal welcomes families to share questions, concerns, or feedback.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

I feel well-informed about important updates from the Mequon-Thiensville School District.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

The MTSD website is a reliable source of information.

LONGITUDINAL DATA

MTSD has a rigorous curriculum.

MTSD supports students academically according to need.

MTSD supports students’ social and emotional needs.

MTSD prioritizes safety and security.