27J Schools 2025 Community Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 638 adult residents within the 27J Schools boundaries. The interviews were conducted from May 20th – June 11th, 2025.

Community residents held a moderately positive overall opinion of 27J Schools, with favorable views outweighing unfavorable ones, though a meaningful share remained critical or undecided. Teachers were viewed more favorably than the district as a whole, with a majority of respondents holding a positive opinion of teaching staff. Approval of the district’s job educating students was similarly mixed, with slightly more approving than disapproving.

Residents were divided on whether the district had sufficient financial resources to provide a quality education, with those saying it did not holding a slight edge. Views on fiscal responsibility and transparency were also split nearly down the middle, with substantial portions of the community expressing doubt about both. Despite this, a plurality believed the district was heading in the right direction, though a significant segment felt it was on the wrong track.

Those who felt the district was moving in a positive direction pointed to new school construction, facility upgrades, strong and dedicated teachers, innovative programming such as STEM and career and technical education, and what they saw as responsive and communicative leadership. The four-day school week was viewed positively by some in this group as a benefit for teacher recruitment and overall well-being.

Those who felt the district was off track raised concerns about the four-day school week’s impact on student learning and working families, perceived political influence in curriculum, low academic performance, lack of accountability, and what they saw as financial mismanagement. Academic underperformance and inadequate preparation of graduates were recurring themes.

There was very strong consensus that students should have access to modern technology for learning, with the vast majority agreeing this was important for preparing students for life after school. Opinions on student preparation for future grade levels or graduation were closely divided between approval and disapproval.

When it came to the 2021 bond program and 2022 mill levy override, residents who were aware of the investments showed moderate agreement that the district had delivered on its promises, particularly around STEM centers, secure entrances, and building repairs. However, large portions of residents expressed uncertainty, suggesting limited awareness of specific projects. Views on charter school returns from those same investments leaned more skeptical, with nearly half unsure.

On school safety, residents generally approved of the district’s security measures, including electronic systems, armed guards at elementary schools, and trained safety personnel. The most common sources of information about the district were its own social media channels and community group platforms, and residents most preferred to receive communications via email and the district’s website.