Survey: Schools workers satisfied

Teachers and school employees in Palm Beach County are pleased with the way their schools are run, according to a survey released Wednesday.

The poll, answered anonymously by 68 percent of the district’s school staff, showed 85 percent are satisfied with their school’s leadership, climate, decision-making and student conduct. That’s up from 80 percent last year.

Some categories showed deep contentment: 90 percent said they were positive about their school’s learning atmosphere and 95 percent were happy with school leadership. The 50-question survey, taken in January and February, was open to all staff, including secretaries, paraprofessionals and custodians, as well as the district’s 12,000 teachers.

The survey, released Wednesday, did not break down responses by school. Mark Howard, the school district’s performance accountability chief, said the results were the most promising the district has seen in five years of surveys, which represent all 185 public schools in the county.

Deputy Superintendent David Christiansen said the district has been working to solicit teacher comments. Superintendent Robert Avossa meets with groups of teachers several times a year to ask their opinions.

Christiansen said the district will use the survey results to help decide where to place principals next year.