With community members having provided their feedback, the Wright City R-II School District is ready to move into the next phase of its plans to build a new high school campus and address district capacity issues.

School board members reviewed the results of a patron survey during their monthly meeting on Nov. 18. The survey, which was conducted by ExcellenceK12, included responses from 300 households that were polled as part of a direct calling effort. Calls were made to registered voters living within the district boundaries and divided into four population patterns.

The district received a B rating across the board in six polled categories, with its strengths being most often identified as "providing a quality education" and "teachers." The most commonly-mentioned area for improvement was "communication."

“I think we were a little relieved with that general grade given to the district, because it’s been a difficult year and there are a lot of things we’ve had to contend with,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Berger. “We didn’t know how much that would reflect on the community’s evaluation.”

When it came to polling for the potential of passing a no-tax-increase bond issue on the April 2022 ballot, 61 percent of respondents indicated they were “very likely” to vote in the election, with another 27 percent reporting “somewhat likely.”

“When you’re talking about a no tax increase, that’s going to be pretty well received by patrons as long as there’s a need,” said Berger. “I think anybody who is familiar with Wright City and our school district, knows we have a need.”

Of those surveyed, 31 percent reported they would “strongly support" a $35 million no-tax-increase bond issue to go toward phase one of the district expansion project. Another 44 percent said they would “support it.”

Phase one has two layers, with the first being construction of a new high school on a property previously purchased by the district along Highway F. The second step of phase one is the repurposing of the existing high school building. Of those polled, 79 percent said they would be “more likely to vote in favor” of the phase one project, with 5 percent reporting they would be “more likely to vote against.”

“We’re absolutely most excited about both issues being well received by the community,” noted Berger.

This is in comparison to phase two, which would not be included in the $35 million no-tax-increase issue. The phase two projects, to be financed with other existing revenue, would include an athletic stadium, gymnasium, baseball and softball fields and performing arts center at the Highway F site. Only 12 percent said they would “strongly support it,” with another 57 percent reporting they would “support it.”

When it came to feedback on how to repurpose the existing facilities, the most well-received idea was utilizing the current central office site to expand the district’s early childhood program, with 68 percent in support. The second highest support went toward moving the administration, technology and shipping and receiving departments to the existing high school, with 63 percent responding in favor.

Other ideas considered were adding a school-based health clinic to the existing high school location, which received 59 percent in favor, and the addition of a community room, which garnered the support of 49 percent of respondents.

Berger feels the survey was a successful effort and provided a healthy indication of what to expect from the community and, likewise, what the patrons expect from the district.

“The number one thing we’ve done a pretty good job of is getting some general information out there,” said Berger. “Obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and April to make sure everybody knows about the details concerning the issue, but it’s a pretty good start.”