Thank you to all who took the time to offer their opinions on PTA programs and spending priorities. We had 157 total responses from Lawton families and staff. Of these, 72% are current PTA members, 88% donated to the PTA’s Direct Drive, and 88% have volunteered their time this year to make Lawton a great place. Some highlights of the 2012-2013 survey responses are below:
Spending Priorities and Future Investments
We are happy to report that PTA spending in 2012-2013 closely mirrors the priorities of the Lawton community. Your ranked priorities (and the level of PTA investment in 2012-2013) were:
- School Program Support ($46,547)
- Academic Support and Tutoring ($34,388)
- Arts and Enrichment ($34,230)
- Professional Development and Staff Support ($23,485)
- Community Events and Programs ($12,650)
When asked about potential areas for future investment, you favored technology most highly, followed by social and emotional supports for students, after-school tutoring, and capital improvements.
If the PTA were asked to support capital improvements, most (59%) of you felt that this should come from a separate capital campaign. Others (40%) thought that PTA should support capital improvements as part of the Direct Drive. Some (20%) thought that the PTA should not support capital improvements at all (note that this question permitted more than one response). Many who expressed support for PTA investment in capital improvements did so with reservations – saying either that the school district should pay for this kind of thing, or that PTA should only support those projects that directly benefit students.
Direct Drive
In 2011-2012, Lawton families favored a direct fundraising strategy at more than twice the rate of an auction (53% versus 24%). One year later, we are happy to report that our first direct drive was a big success. We exceeded our fundraising target, and increased participation over last year’s auction. Even better, we were able to put every dollar donated back into the Lawton community, compared to $0.65 of every dollar from a typical auction.
Most returning families (70%) reported that their giving had changed since last year, though responses appeared to be split between those whose contribution increased and those whose contribution decreased. Although many of you commented that you missed the auction, many others appreciated the simplicity and transparency of the direct drive.
Doing Business Day
Also new this year was the PTA-sponsored Doing Business Day event in September. Most survey respondents (71%) attended the event, and 91% of those who did provided their very honest opinions about the experience. Many people appreciated the effort, and specifically the opportunity to write one check to start the school year. However, the process clearly left a bit to be desired. The most common complaints were around the crowdedness and confusion of the event itself. Also unpopular: the withholding of classroom assignments until the end. There was a clear consensus that paperwork should have been available in advance – preferably online – and we are looking into different options for next year.
Your input is valuable to the PTA Board as we plan for next year. Thank you again to all who participated. If you would like to see the full survey results, please click here. We will present our proposed 2013-2014 budget to the general membership at the April general meeting on Wednesday evening, April 24. Please join us!
Lawton PTA Board
Posted in Announcements | Monday, April 22nd, 2013
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