Board ponders survey types for input on failed referendum

After their $18.69 million building bond referendum failed by 15 votes on May 24, the TCU School Board wants to know why.

The board is looking to gather input and data via a resident survey. At Monday’s workshop, it heard presentations from representatives from School Perceptions and Himle Rapp & Co. who presented proposals that differed on how to gather opinions and data. 

Online/paper survey

Sue Peterson from School Perceptions told the board her company believes in gathering data, educating the board of the district’s needs and determining a final plan using online and paper surveys. She said that is the best way to reach as many residents as possible.

“We don’t do phone surveys. Paper is better,” she said. 

Phone survey

Todd Rapp of Himle Rapp and Co. was the second presenter and believed in the success of a phone survey. He said there are a lot of ways to gather data, but if the district wants to know how the residents feel and what needs to happen to pass a referendum, they should use a phone survey.

For more about what each presenter said and what the board members talked about, pick up the July 21 Messenger.