Spring Family

Survey Results

May 2026

Introduction & Methodology

• The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) regularly surveys parents/guardians, aligning with its strategic plan, to gather feedback for decision-making and continuous improvement. This short Spring Family Survey, conducted in May 2026, aimed to inform planning near the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Focus areas included family experiences, communication, safety perceptions, and students' educational experiences. Participants were asked to complete it once per student per household.

​

• The survey was distributed via direct email and reminders to all parents/guardians from May 13-24, 2026, using Thought Exchange. Efforts ensured accessibility, unique participation per student/household, and anonymity. In total, 642 responses were received, representing approximately 18% of MTSD students. Feedback from open-response items, analyzed qualitatively using AI to identify themes, highlights areas for improvement across all district goals.

PARTICIPATION

Breakdown of Participation

PARTICIPATION

Breakdown of Participation

• What schools do your students attend?

Donges Bay 17% (111)

Oriole Lane 16% (100)

Wilson 15% (94)

Lake Shore 09% (56)

Steffen 11% (70)

Homestead 32% (204)

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

70% of

responses

​

​

PASSIVES

22% of

responses

​

​

DETRACTORS

9% of responses

​

​

These survey participants praised the district's high academics, exceptional fine arts, and diverse co-curriculars for successfully preparing students for post-secondary options. A dominant theme was deep appreciation for warm, dedicated educators and administrators who excel at communication and individualized support. The district was highly recommended for its strong community, safe environments, and a standout special education department providing high-quality and supportive services.

These survey participants shared satisfaction with the education quality and staff, while citing challenges with operational issues they believe hinder an excellent experience. Common themes included requests for healthier school lunches, less student screen time on Chromebooks, better parent-teacher communication consistency across Canvas and Infinite Campus, and expanded enrichment opportunities for high-achieving students not meeting criteria for the TAG program.

These survey participants expressed concerns over an unsupported elementary-to-middle school transition and mixed high school academic standards (strict grading alongside perceived lack of rigor/homework). A lapse in behavioral discipline and insufficient support staff are reported, with a belief that disruptive behaviors are ignored. Critical complaints also highlight a desire for more transparency, concerns regarding bullying, and a lack of diversity or equity.

COMMUNICATION

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

STUDENT SAFETY

My child feels safe at school:

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

My child relates to what they are learning in school:

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

My child talks to people outside of school about what they are learning:

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

I believe that on most days, my child likes their school:

CONTRACTED SERVICES

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

CONTRACTED SERVICES

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

CONTRACTED SERVICES

Open Feedback Summaries

• Food Service: The responses highlight a range of opinions on the school meal program, with many parents expressing concerns about the nutritional quality and variety of options. Common themes include a desire for healthier, less processed foods, more fresh fruits and vegetables, and better protein choices. Some parents appreciate the convenience and variety offered, while others prefer packing lunches due to dissatisfaction with taste and quality. There are calls for dietary accommodations, such as halal or kosher options, and concerns about portion sizes and sugar content. Overall, the feedback suggests a need for improvement in both the quality and diversity of school meals.�
• Transportation: The responses reveal a mixed experience with the bus service. Many parents appreciate the reliability, punctuality, and the positive interactions with certain drivers, highlighting the importance of safety and consistency. However, issues such as inconsistent schedules, missed stops, and poor communication are common concerns. Some parents report negative experiences with specific drivers, affecting their child's willingness to use the service. The bus tracking app is praised for its utility, though its reliability is questioned. Overall, while some families find the service dependable, others face challenges that impact their daily routines and trust in the system.

Spring Family Survey

Report

Longitudinal Data

LONGITUDINAL DATA

Historical Survey Participation

Family Net Promoter Score (NPS)

LONGITUDINAL DATA

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

My child feels safe at school:

LONGITUDINAL DATA

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

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