Milford Schools Survey Draws Praise, Criticism

A survey showing general parent satisfaction drew praise from Board of Education members last week, but at least one critic has called out the board for what he considers a dismal reality at schools.

Milford Public Schools released the survey, which is based on information received from 2,385 parents out of 5,000 surveyed over Spring 2013.

According to the numbers, 72 percent of parents said the school offered their students a way to get involved in their child's education, with 28 percent saying it did not.

An average of 86 percent of parents across grades reported general satisfaction with the district, but only 62 percent said the school budget accurately reflected parents' needs.

The survey also showed 19 percent of parents reported their child had been a victim of bullying over the course of the school year, with the figure increasing 26 percent for parents of middle-schoolers. Overall, 95 percent of parents said they felt school was a safe place for their children.

Board of Education candidate Tom Jagodzinski, a Republican running in Milford's Third District, criticized the board for the results of the survey in a letter released prior to the meeting.

"The board is failing in its responsibility to keep parents and taxpayers informed about what’s going on in our schools," he wrote. "Does anyone really believe that these parents realize what’s happening in our high schools?"

Board of Education members praised the survey for its necessity, and some school officials suggested bullying could be an issue to watch at schools.

"It’s an issue nationally and it’s an issue statewide and it’s an issue in every district," said Superintendent Elizabeth Feser, according to the New Haven Register. "I think we do some really good things here, but we have more to do to make sure kids aren’t subjected to bullying."

Feser said the district would form parent-involvement committees and consult with PTA groups to curb dissatisfaction with schools in the future, according to the Register.