By Stephen Floyd
Respondents overwhelmingly supported cuts to administration in a survey by the Silver Falls School District (SFSD), while opposition emerged against preserving all K-8 schools and esports programs.
As of Monday afternoon, 1,347 people had participated in a survey on ThoughtExchange asking what they believe should be preserved as the district plans steep budget cuts for next year.
The survey remains up until Tuesday at 5 p.m. and is open to the public. Results are expected to be shared during an SFSD Board meeting scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m.
In the survey, respondents were asked “Which aspects of our school community do you believe are most vital to prioritize, even in the face of significant budget reductions?” Answers were open-ended and anonymous, and ranged from broad goals to specific programs and individuals.
Respondents could then also rate answers provided by others on a 1-to-5 scale and did not have to provide an answer to vote on the results. As of Monday at 2 p.m. 89,170 ratings had been submitted for 1,275 answers.
A clear forerunner emerged among answers with the most support, with 16 of the top 30 answers relating to cuts to administrative staff. Some respondents said administrators, as those responsible for district resources, should bear the brunt of the financial shortfalls. Others called out positions they believed were superfluous such as director of teaching and learning and transportation admins.
Other well-supported priorities included the preservation of teaching positions, representing six out of the top 30 answers, and the halting of new curriculum programs, with four out of the top 30 answers.
Of the lowest 30 answers, there were six each related to keeping all the outlying K-8 schools open and keeping esports available to high schoolers. Respondents who submitted these answers said the K-8 programs have been successful and are essential to the rural communities built around them, while supporters of e-sports argued they are an important alternative to athletics.
ThoughtExchange did not have a mechanism for downvoters to explain their opposition to specific answers.
Other low-ranked answers included the elimination of classes and programs considered non-essential to learning such as music and art, with four out of the lowest 30 answers. Some respondents also opposed keeping Sequoia Falls Academy open, an alternative high school program, and closing Silverton Middle School, both with two of the lowest 30 answers.
