hudson 2015 community survey report

Fall 2015

Hudson School DistrictCommunity Survey Results

Survey Summary

• The community survey was conducted in October/November of 2015

• Residents within the District were mailed a paper survey. Each survey included a unique survey access code for those who preferred to take the survey online.

• Total responses = 1,731/559 paper

• Margin of error for the full sample +/- 2.4%

Section I: Respondent Information

What is your age?

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-64 65+

1%

9%

28%

26%

16%

20%

Do you live in the Hudson School District?

99%

1%

Yes

No

In which city or township do you reside?

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

City ofHudson

Town ofHudson

Town ofTroy

Town of St.Joseph

Village of N.Hudson

Other

39%

30%

10% 10% 10%

1%

Are you a Hudson School District employee?

10%

90%

Yes

No

Do you have children attending the Hudson School District?

51%

49%

Yes

No

If you have school-aged children, what school(s) do they attend?

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Virtual/Online School

Public school outside of District

Homeschool

Other

Preschool

Private/Parochial School

Houlton Elementary

North Hudson Elementary

Willow River Elementary

E.P. Rock Elementary

Hudson Prairie Elementary

River Crest Elementary

Hudson Middle School

Hudson High School

0%

1%

1%

1%

4%

5%

6%

7%

7%

10%

12%

13%

38%

41%

Please mark ALL other relationships you have with Hudson School District:

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

89%

30%

19%15%

13% 12%

How many District-sponsored events (athletics, performances, etc.) have you

attended in the past year? Staff members not included

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

0 1-5 6-10 More than 10

7%

36%

25%

32%

38%

47%

9%6%

Parents

Non-Parents

Section II: Home Value Impact

Overall, how do you feel the quality of Hudson School District is affecting your

home value?

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Positiveimpact

Little to noimpact

Negativeimpact

Do not own ahome

Don't know

48%

29%

11%

2%

10%

Section III: Communication

How would you like to receive information regarding the Hudson School District?

Staff members not included

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Other

Radio

Television

Twitter

St. Paul Pioneer Press

School Board meetings

Text message

Facebook

Skyward Family Access

School newsletters

Teacher/School/District websites

Hudson Star Observer

District mailings

Email

0%

1%

3%

3%

6%

12%

16%

22%

32%

42%

48%

55%

66%

75%

1%

2%

4%

2%

13%

12%

3%

8%

1%

18%

18%

71%

78%

24%

Non-Parents

Parents

Section IV: The Hudson Difference

How well are we doing in each of the following areas?

Great (4), Good (3), Fair (2), Poor (1)

Item All

ResidentsStaff

Residents

ParentResidents

(Non-Staff)

Non-Parent, Non-Staff Residents

Delivering a high-quality educational experience

3.16 3.47 3.15 3.08

Preparing students for life after high school

3.08 3.36 3.1 2.99

Providing a welcoming and safe learning environment

3.09 3.21 3.14 2.97

Building pride in our community 2.87 3.02 2.89 2.82

Providing opportunities for community input

2.88 3.21 3.02 2.64

Keeping the public informed 2.75 3.05 2.84 2.59

Maintaining school facilities 2.53 2.53 2.52 2.57

Spending tax dollars wisely 2.55 2.98 2.64 2.36

Overall, how satisfied are you with the Hudson School District? (Residents only)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Very Satisfied Satisfied Not Satisfied VeryUnsatisfied

No Opinion

22%

56%

12%

3%

7%

Section V: Facility Priorities

What priority would you place on the identified items when developing a facility plan?

High (3), Medium (2), Low (1)

All Residents

Staff Residents

ParentResidents

(Non-Staff)


Complete the process of updating science/tech. ed. labs

2.64 2.63 2.74 2.54

Add/redesign classrooms to better meet instructional needs and address capacity issues (high school)

2.7 2.75 2.84 2.52

Replace as needed roofs, windows and doors

2.51 2.62 2.57 2.44

Replace and improve heating, ventilation plumbing, electrical and lighting systems

2.52 2.75 2.6 2.4

Improve technology infrastructure for students/staff

2.56 2.65 2.71 2.37

Add/redesign classrooms to better meet instructional needs and address capacity issues (middle school)

2.53 2.73 2.66 2.34

Improve safety and security 2.38 2.48 2.51 2.19

Increase hallway size and improve building-wide traffic flow

2.4 2.71 2.57 2.13

What priority would you place on the identified items when developing a facility plan? (Continued)


All Residents

Staff Residents

ParentResidents

(Non-Staff)


Expand cafeteria/kitchen 2.17 2.36 2.29 1.98

Expand gym space to meet instructional/co-curricular demands (high school)

2.12 2.44 2.29 1.86

Expand gym space to meet instructional/co-curricular demands (high school)

2.06 2.4 2.18 1.83

Update lighting and sound systems 1.98 2.21 2.1 1.81

Improve parking lot traffic flow, parking and site safety (high school)

2.09 2.5 2.27 1.8

Increase seating capacity 2.03 2.33 2.19 1.79

Increase seating, improve concessions, add restrooms and onsite locker rooms

1.96 2.23 2.11 1.74

Provide outdoor athletic facilities on high school site

1.96 2.23 2.16 1.67

What priority would you place on the identified items when developing a facility plan? (Continued)


All Residents

Staff Residents

ParentResidents

(Non-Staff)


Add/upgrade dressing room, set construction and storage

1.86 2.03 2 1.66

Improve parking lot traffic flow and site safety (middle school)

1.9 2.21 2.06 1.65

Resurface varsity track 1.77 1.84 1.9 1.61

Improve outdoor physical education/practice fields

1.78 1.97 1.91 1.59

Add lighting at the baseball and softball fields

1.76 1.9 1.9 1.58

Resurface and light tennis courts 1.72 1.85 1.84 1.55

Add synthetic turf to stadium 1.51 1.71 1.6 1.35

Section VI: Financial Background

Knowing this information, what advice would you give the School Board? (Residents only)

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Pursue a referendumto improve our

schools

Do nothing at thistime

Not sure/need moreinformation

71%

14% 15%

87%

4%9%

83%

7%10%

56%

22% 22%

AllResidents

StaffResidents

ParentResidents(Non-Staff)

Non-Parent,Non-StaffResidents

Section VII: Option 1

OPTION 1 (Formerly Option 2A from the Community Engagement Process)

Build a New High School for 10th-12th Grade (Estimated Cost Range: $66,300,000 -$71,900,000)• Capacity of 1,350 to 1,500 students• Location to be determined

Upgrade/Renovate Hudson High School into an Intermediate School for 8th- 9th Grade(Estimated Cost Range: $29,900,000 - $32,400,000)• Renovate for a capacity of 850 to 950 students• Upgrade heating/ventilation, electrical and lighting systems• Update restrooms to address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements• Improve technology infrastructure• Update classrooms, labs and collaboration spaces• Improve parking lot traffic flow and site safety• Relocate District Administrative Offices (sell current building)

Maintain Hudson Middle School for 6th and 7th Grade• Capacity of 800 to 900 students• No additional work will be done to this school

Additional Operating Costs to be Assumed by District (i.e., utilities, building supplies, staffing – office staff, principal, maintenance, etc.; classroom positions would be adjusted on an annual basis depending on enrollment): (Estimated Cost Range: $1,400,000 -$1,600,000/year)

Would you support a $96 to $104.3 million referendum for Option 1?

Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $108 to $124 for each $100,000 of a home’s value

All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

28%

12%

10%

18%

32%

50% Yes

40% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

16%

10%

12%

22%

40%

62% Yes

26% No



Parent Residents (Non-Staff)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

17%

10%

7%

22%

44%

66% Yes

27% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

40%

16%

12%

15%

17%

32% Yes

56% No

Would you support an additional $9.8 to $10.5 millionthrough a referendum to add an auditorium to Option 1?

Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $20 for each $100,000 of a home’s value

All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

30%

12%

11%

20%

27%

47% Yes

42% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

14%

14%

10%

26%

36%

62% Yes

28% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

19%

10%

10%

25%

36%

61% Yes

29% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

42%

15%

12%

15%

16%

31% Yes

57% No

Would you support an additional $8.3 to $9 million through a referendum to build new outdoor athletic fields as part of Option 1?Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $18 for each

$100,000 of a home’s value

All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

32%

11%

11%

18%

28%

46% Yes

43% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

18%

9%

11%

24%

38%

62% Yes

27% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

21%

7%

9%

23%

40%

63% Yes

28% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

45%

15%

13%

14%

13%

27% Yes

60% No

Section VIII: Option 2

OPTION 2 (Formerly Option 7 from the Community Engagement Process)

Update/Renovate Hudson High School for 10th-12th Grade (Estimated Cost Range: $47,400,000 - $51,500,000)• Upgrade heating/ventilation, electrical and lighting systems • Update restrooms to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements • Improve technology infrastructure • Update classrooms, labs and collaboration spaces • Improve parking lot traffic flow and site safety • Increase hallway size to reduce congestion

Build a New Intermediate School for 8th-9th Grade (Estimated Cost Range: $45,600,000 - $49,400,000)• Capacity of 850 to 950 students • To be built on District-owned land on County Highway UU

Maintain Hudson Middle School for 6th and 7th Grade• Capacity of 800 to 900 students • No additional work will be done to this school

Additional Operating Costs to be Assumed by District (i.e., utilities, building supplies, staffing – office staff, principal, maintenance, etc.; classroom positions would be adjusted on an annual basis depending on enrollment): (Estimated Cost Range: $1,100,000 - $1,300,000/year)



All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

31%

20%

14%

20%

15%

35% Yes

51% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

19%

21%

15%

24%

21%

45% Yes

40% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

24%

21%

11%

25%

19%

44% Yes

45% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

39%

21%

18%

14%

8%

22% Yes

60% No

Would you support an additional $2.8 to $3.1 million through a referendum to renovate and improve the existing auditorium as part of Option 2?Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $6 for each


All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

29%

15%

14%

25%

17%

42% Yes

44% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

17%

13%

12%

33%

25%

58% Yes

30% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

22%

14%

12%

30%

22%

52% Yes

36% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

37%

16%

18%

19%

10%

29% Yes

53% No

Would you support an additional $10.3 to $11.2 million through a referendum to renovate the outdoor athletic fields as part of Option 2?Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $21 for each


All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

33%

15%

15%

22%

15%

37% Yes

48% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

21%

13%

17%

25%

24%

49% Yes

34% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

25%

12%

12%

30%

21%

51% Yes

37% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

42%

19%

19%

13%

7%

20% Yes

61% No

Section IX: Option 3

OPTION 3 (Formerly Option 9 from the Community Engagement Process)

Additions/Renovations to Hudson High School for 9th-12th Grade (Estimated Cost Range: $71,900,000 - $77,900,000)• Create a “like new” high school with major renovation and redesign of all existing spaces • Capacity of 1,800 to 2,000 students • Add/update classrooms, science and technical education labs • Expand the gym to meet instructional and co-curricular demands • Remodel and increase the size of the cafeteria and kitchen • Redesign library media center • Upgrade heating/ventilation, electrical and lighting systems • Update restrooms to address Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements • Improve technology infrastructure • Increase safety and security • Improve parking lot traffic flow and site safety • Increase hallway size to reduce congestion

Additions/Renovations to Hudson Middle School for 6th-8th Grade (Estimated Cost Range: $7,270,000 - $8,200,000)• Capacity of 1,200 to 1,350 students • Add/update classrooms • Add a gym to meet instructional and co-curricular demands • Improve the prep/serving kitchen

Additional Operating Costs to be Assumed by District (i.e., utilities, building supplies, staffing –office staff, principal, maintenance, etc.; classroom positions would be adjusted on an annual basis depending on enrollment): (Estimated Cost Range: $450,000 - $550,000/year)

Would you support a $79.2 to $86.1 million referendum for Option 3?


All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

20%

12%

13%

27%

28%

55% Yes

32% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

15%

8%

9%

21%

47%

68% Yes

23% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

13%

12%

12%

29%

34%

63% Yes

25% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

26%

13%

16%

26%

19%

45% Yes

39% No



All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

23%

11%

13%

27%

26%

53% Yes

34% No



Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

13%

7%

9%

29%

42%

71% Yes

20% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

15%

10%

12%

31%

32%

63% Yes

25% No




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

30%

14%

16%

23%

17%

40% Yes

44% No

Would you support an additional $10.3 to $11.2 million through a referendum to renovate the outdoor athletic fields as part of Option 3?

fields as part of Option 3?Representing an estimated average annual tax increase of $21 for each


All Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

27%

13%

14%

22%

24%

46% Yes

40% No




Staff Residents

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

16%

8%

9%

25%

42%

67% Yes

24% No





0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

19%

11%

13%

27%

30%

57% Yes

30% No





0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Definitely no

Probably no

Undecided

Probably yes

Definitely yes

37%

15%

18%

17%

13%

30% Yes

52% No

Section X: New School Location

Option 1 involves building a school at a new site. The District currently owns land on County Highway UU (Area 2) and has

previously explored other potential building sites.

If a new school were built, please select ALL sites that you would support:

(Residents only)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%67%

48%

35% 31%

19% 17%

8%

Section XI: Financial Support

The following table shows the tax increase for various referendum amounts that could support

the options described throughout the survey.

How much of a tax increase would you support, if any, assuming the projects included

were acceptable to you?

0% 50% 100%

All Residents

Staff Residents


Non-Parent, Non-StaffResidents

26%

34%

37%

13%

9%

10%

12%

6%

13%

17%

15%

11%

11%

15%

11%

11%

7%

6%

4%

11%

9%

2%

6%

14%

3%

1%

3%

3%

8%

8%

6%

9%

14%

7%

6%

22%

$125 million

$115 million

$105 million

$95 million

$85 million

$75 million

Other

Undecided

I would not supportany referendum

50 %

If you would not support any of the three options covered in this survey, what is/are

the reason(s)? (Residents only)

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Other

Want a NEW 9-12th grade High School

Lack information regarding what is being proposed

Don't support the location of the proposed new school

Don't support changing secondary grade configurations

Lack confidence in the School District

Don't support auditorium updates

Don't support a 3rd secondary school/intermediate

Don't support athletic facility updates

Feel the projects are unnecessary

Too expensive/tax increase is too large

6%

7%

13%

33%

37%

47%

50%

52%

54%

60%

84%

Additional Analysis for Support for Option 3

Percent of Resident Population Assumptions: - Non-parent/non-staff = 75%

- Parents = 25%- Staff < 1%

Of those responding either Definitely yes, or Probably yes:

.75(45%) + .25 (63%) = 49.5%

Assuming carrying 1/3 of undecided

.75(50%) + .25 (67%) = 54.25%

Additional Analysis for Auditoriumsupport (Option 3)




.75(40%) + .25 (63%) = 45.75%


.75(45%) + .25 (67%) = 50.05%

Additional Analysis for Outdoor Athletics Support (Option 3)




.75(30%) + .25 (57%) = 36.75%


.75(36%) + .25 (61%) = 42.25%

Comment Analysis

Respondents expressed support for Option 3

• I see this as the best option for our community. I like the location of our current high school as well as the freshman being included.

• Sounds like the most prudent and exciting option...thank you for exploring creative options.

• I think we need a new high school. However, I would be in support of this option also.

• This is the strongest of all 3 options since it puts 9th grade on the high school campus, helping 9th graders focus on their futures and the importance of 9th grade toward college entrance.

• Based on our projections, this is the best option unless some of the cost is reduced from option 1 such as deferred outdoor facilities.

• Makes the most sense to us. See value in having all high school (9-12) activities on site.

While some respondents would support auditorium improvements,

others didn’t see the need.

• No additional changes are needed to the high school auditorium.• Build the price of the auditorium into the new high school referendum

instead of making it a separate referendum. A high school needs an auditorium, don't make it optional.

• WE DO NOT NEED NEW AUDITORIUMS, FANCY FOOTBALL FIELDS AND TRACKS.

• Students and parents who use and benefit from auditoriums and sports facilities should pay the cost through fees.

• I would not support any upgrades except for the sound and/or light system in the auditorium. To me this space is already underutilized. Yes, the music department can "claim" their overflow seating but there are easy remedies to that as in splitting up the concerts by choir or grades.

• And the auditorium DEFINITELY needs increased seating capacity.

Respondents preferred Area 1, Area 2 or the dog track site if a new school

were built.• The dog track is still a great site!!!!

• Area 2 would make the most sense....

• Area 1 or 2 are the most practical for water and sewer lines. Area 5 may grow with the bridge opening.

• I think Areas 1 and 2 would be best since they are more centrally located.

• I would support option 2 or 3 in either area 1 or 2. I would not however support any option outside of areas 1 and 2 because Hudson already owns land in these areas and they are centrally located.

Some respondents feel there is too much emphasis placed on sports.

• I think too much money is already spent on sports. Money needs to put into education and more attention could be focused on music and art.

• I want money spent on educational needs not athletic wants. Get the focus back on education and not on sports.

• All students need the ability to use athletic fields, however only athletes need the facility that is being proposed. Not sure if I want to support athletics with my tax dollars.

• Too much emphasis is placed on sports and extra curricular activities and not enough is placed on special needs.

• Newton field is a great venue and I would NOT support building a new sports facility for any reason. We already have a great venue for football and track. We don’t need a new one

• Offer at least the auditorium and athletic upgrades as spate options. Putting them all into 1 is way too much.

Respondents expressed concerns regarding an increase in taxes.

• TAXES ARE TOO HIGH NOW, YOU WILL FORCE PEOPLE TO MOVE BECAUSE OF THE HIGH TAXES!!!!

• Sell the land on UU before asking the taxpayers to support any more district spending.

• Come up with a plan that addresses individual needs and does them in the most cost effective method.

• These projects would increase our taxes by approx. $400-500 per year. We are a fixed income older couple that is just about to the breaking point getting pushed out of St. Croix County.

• Property taxes are already exorbitant.• Stop Asking for the most expensive options NO means NO !!!!!!!!!!! River Falls

was able to expand at 40% of what you are wanting.........NO you don't need, you only think you do. NO MEANS NO, find a more reasonable cost solution

• Don't waste tax payers monies renovating the high school for a high school, and get all facilities, like athletic fields on the same new site. Re-visit the land selected in 2014 that was voted down and present wisely to the public.

Thank you!

hudson 2015 community survey report

Documents

school facilities

hudson differencehow

schoolaged children

paper survey

staff members

unique survey access

section v

high school3