Stakeholder Survey Report

Presented by Missouri School Boards' Association to Grain Valley Schools
October 2025

Purpose of the Report

This report is intended to inform the Grain Valley Board of Education about the desired qualifications stakeholders hope to have in the next superintendent.

The Missouri School Boards Association recently conducted a survey from September 11 through September 22, 2025. The survey yielded a total of 193 responses from parents, teachers, community members, support staff, students, and others.

The feedback from the survey report will be used to guide the hiring process to ensure the next superintendent is a good fit for the district and community.

Hiring Timeline

November 30 - Application Deadline
December 8 - Board Reviews Applicants
December 11 - Board Screening Interviews
December 16 - Board Interviews Finalists

Strengths for Grain Valley Schools

• SMALL-TOWN FEEL WITH STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY
• CARING, DEDICATED, HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS AND STAFF
• HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
• STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH AND INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
• STRONG LEADERSHIP

“Small town feel but still big on programs, athletics, extra activities!”
”Our district is a tight knit community where we accomplish great things, but at the same time, it is small enough that you can get to know everyone in the district. We are small but mighty! We compete with our much larger neighbors in both academics and athletics.”
“I love the small town feel, teachers and administrators know my children. I love that we don’t fall behind other large districts in every decision, but think for ourselves. I’m thankful for the big variety of ways that our kids are able to proudly be involved.”
“Teachers are trusted and empowered—not micromanaged—and that shows in their passion.”
“The district employs a dedicated and professional staff. Our teachers are outstanding. Commitment to academic excellence, stakeholder engagement opportunities, supports provided for all students and families, focus on literacy instruction and the science of reading.”
“Teacher's genuine interest in improving the skill set in kids. Not just academically but also in life like perseverance, rigor, self-esteem, communication skills, etc.”
“Students ready for after high school life - college ready or other.”
“Our schools offer a variety of classes and activities, and our students are incredibly lucky.”
“We offer a wide range of opportunities for kids, from early childhood through high school, including alternative programs and advanced coursework. Our focus is on student success, safety, belonging, and building strong partnerships with families and the community.”
“Teachers and staff meet kids where they are and help them reach their fullest potential.”
“Strong special education programs and academic interventions make a real difference.”
“I love how our district leadership administration is open and approachable...not to mention, down-to-earth and relatable.”
“GVSD is a school district that mixes suburban and rural cultures well. I believe a specific strength is how central office administrators support teachers and staff.”
“I appreciate how teachers are always asked to give our input, and I feel that my role as a teacher is respected by the district.”

Challenges for Grain Valley Schools

• TEACHER PAY, SUPPORTS, AND RETENTION
• CLEAR, CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION AND EXPECTATIONS DISTRICT-WIDE
• STUDENT BEHAVIOR, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CONSISTENT EXPECTATIONS
• IMPROVING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, CURRICULUM, AND STANDARDS
• EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND STUDENT SUPPORT

“I think we need to continue to build for the growth of the district. I also think we need to continue to be competitive pay wise. This includes certified, classified and substitute teachers.”
“Pay always comes to mind, but also making sure teachers feel respected and valued can fill *some* of the gap that falling behind on pay creates.”
“I think we need to continue to remain competitive with pay. It is extremely important to retain our amazing staff.”
“One key area is improving communication protocols. As we grow, it's becoming more common for some parent concerns to bypass the proper channels, like a teacher or building administrator, and go directly to district leadership. Ensuring initial communication goes to the right person would create a more efficient and effective system for everyone.”
“Consistency in rules, discipline, expectations and communication.”
“I would love to see more consistency across the district. Expectations from teacher to teacher, building to building, etc. can be drastically different, and I often hear students discussing how difficult it can be to navigate such inconsistent expectations.”
“Bullying, the victims are frequently punished because they finally lose it, after attempting to handle it the districts way; not to mention the extremely low report rate.”
“Bullying. Higher behavior expectations and accountability for students.”
“The standards based grading system is flawed is not conducive to competitive collegiate programs. The system, while great in theory, is detrimental to high achieving students in practice.”
“Get rid of standards-based grading. More focus on dual-credit courses vs. AP courses. Need smaller class sizes. Reading and math curriculum at the elementary grade levels.”
“Building improvements especially at the elementary level as many things are old, and falling apart and not being appropriately replaced. Space constraints in multiple buildings.”
“More space and updates in elementary buildings, smaller class sizes.”
“We need to focus on diversity and inclusion since Grain Valley is becoming more diverse, not just in our classrooms, but in our neighborhoods.”
“Another opportunity is to fully embrace our growing diversity.”

Desired Characteristics (Focus Groups)

Respondents provided input during in-person sessions on the top professional skills, qualifications and personal traits they hope to have in the next superintendent, including:

• Clear, proactive communication & transparency — frequent, honest updates;
  strong listener who closes the loop.
• Student-centered focus with academic results — prioritizes learning, achievement,
  and supportive classroom conditions.
• Visible, approachable relationship-builder — present in schools and community;
  builds trust with staff, students, and families.
• Staff support and retention — invests in teacher growth (PD/coaching), recognizes
  excellence, and helps recruit/retain talent.
• Strategic vision & execution — sets a clear direction, aligns resources, and follows
  through on a multi-year plan.
• Community & Board collaboration — partners well with parents, civic groups, and
  maintains a strong, professional Board relationship.
• Operational & fiscal stewardship — manages budgets, facilities, transportation,
  and growth with prudence and clarity.
• Equity, safety & belonging — ensures safe schools and inclusive practices so all
  students feel known and supported.

Profile of the next Superintendent

A student-centered, visible relationship-builder who communicates transparently, executes a clear multi-year vision, develops and retains staff, uses data to improve achievement, partners effectively with the Board and community, stewards budgets/operations prudently, and ensures safe, inclusive schools with integrity and calm.

Advice for the Next Superintendent